Welcome to Alaska
NPS PHOTO/BRYAN PETRTYL
laska offers as much of the familiar -- cities, villages, stores,
millions of acres as parks, preserves, wild rivers, monuments and his-
streets, vehicles -- as it does strangeness: breathtaking (yet
toric sites. In fact, the state boasts seven of the 10 largest national parks
A1deadly)wildernessandweather,10,000-year-oldAlaska inthecountry:Wrangell-St.Elias,GatesoftheArctic,Denali,Katmai,
Native customs and traditions, a boom-and-bust history, honey buckets
Glacier Bay, Lake Clark and Kobuk Valley. A complete list can be fou
ANCHORAGE 1nd
GDE
and days as long in summer as nights are in winter. It's a land of rugged
at www.nps.gov/akso/parks.
09-55701
individuals with do-it-yourself attitudes.
Fourteen mountain ranges split the state into four m
SIGNCO 1ajor r
QUALITY 1iver-
SIGNS
E-MAILED AD FILE
Like the original inhabitants, and later the Russians who sold the land
drainage systems. The Brooks Range runs east and west, separating the
EP 07/21/16
to the Americans, visitors still hear and feel that "Call of the Wild." And
the state's motto, "North to the Future," promises endless opportunities
-- economic, cultural, natural and recreational.
The state might prove near-inaccessible by road, though by air, Seat-
tle's a mere 3�-hour flight away. That distance from everywhere else
adds to the mystique of solitude, adventure and otherworldliness.
Despite the remoteness, jobs have been plentiful, increasing steadily
-- with a few dips -- since statehood in 1959. Housing, education and
health care are modern, progressive and family-oriented.
LANDSCAPE
Alaska is famed for its mountains, glaciers, rivers, forests, tundra,
wildlife and wilderness. The National Parks system has designated
8 3� 2Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE RELO GUIDE
09-55694
HACIENDA MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Welcome to Alas
PU 4k
W/ 4a
CHGS
DHD 6/6/16
Interior from the northernmost Arctic. The
Wrangell Mountains help make Wrangell-St.
Elias National Park and Preserve in Southeast
the largest in the U.S.
And the Alaska Range, crowned by Denali,
previously known as Mount McKinley, the
highest point in North America, adds spec-
tacle and royalty to Denali National Park and
Preserve.
The state also has the nation's two larg-
est national forests: Tongass in Southeast,
at nearly 17 million acres, is one of the last
intact and pristine temperate rainforests; and
Chugach in Southcentral, at more than 5 mil-
lion acres, has been enjoyed as a colossal back-
yard with great recreational choices for more
than a century.
Great expanses of tundra, muskegs -- boggy
wetlands -- and labyrinths of rivers and lakes
lace the landscape, limiting off-road travel on
the ground but creating an intriguing puzzle
when viewed from a plane.
BIG ALASKA
The state covers 570,641 square miles. That's
roughly one-third the size of the 48 contigu-
ous states combined, or 441 times the size of
Rhode Island and 2.2 times the size of Texas.
As far as water, the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of
Alaska, Bering Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea
and the Arctic Ocean lap more than 33,904
miles of shoreline. Alaska has many of the
wildest, unspoiled sounds, bays, rivers and
lakes in the world.
Talk about privacy and solitude: The popula-
PETRTYL
tion density averages slightly more than one
person per square mile (the United States'
PHOTO/BRYAN
average was 91 people per square mile in 2015,
NPS
the U.S. Census calculates). And most Alaska
outdoor recreation is within walking distance
or a short drive, if not just out the back door.
WILDLIFE
Alaskans share their state with more than 40
species of land mammals, more than 30 spe-
cies of marine mammals, more than 40 kinds
of fish and 510 species of birds, plus a host of
marine invertebrates and a few frogs and toads
but no snakes or other reptiles. Sometimes the
wildlife can feel altogether too close, such as
when a moose meanders across an icy road in
front of a car, or a grizzly confronts a jogger on
a hiking trail.
GERMAN
ROB
HUNTING
BY
AND FISHING
Alaska is a sporting paradise.
PROVIDED
Hunters pursue black bear, brown/grizzly
bear, caribou, mountain goat, moose, Dall
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 29

ANCHORAGE GUIDE
09-55841
MUNICIPAL LIGHT & POWER
Welcome to Anchorage
PU W/O CHG
JB 6/9/16
sheep, wolves, snowshoe hare, ptarmigan,
grouse, ducks, geese, brant, snipe and sandhill
cranes. Trapping is also allowed for some spe-
cies. Rivers, streams and lakes abound with
salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout, Arctic char,
Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, burbot, north-
ern pike and other finfish -- some year-round.
Halibut entice saltwater anglers.
Find details on regulations, seasons, limits,
trapping, hunter safety education and restric-
tions at the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game website, www.adfg.alaska.gov.
Don't Feed Wild Animals
ALASKA STATUTE 5 AAC 92.230 --
FEEDING OF GAME
No one is allowed to intentionally feed
a moose, deer, bear, wolf, coyote, fox or
wolverine (except under terms of a per-
mit issued by the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game) or to negligently leave out
human food, animal food or garbage that
would attract any of these animals. Viola-
tions carry a $310 fine. In April 2010, for
example, the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game fined a man who lived in a remote
Mat-Su cabin $20,000 for his ongoing bear-
feeding. In March 2016, a Wasilla woman
was ticketed for feeding moose in her neigh-
borhood after a moose there turned aggres-
sive, charged a homeowner and was fatally
shot. By August, at least six people were
reported mauled by Alaska bears, includ-
ing one in Eagle River and two on Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson.
To avoid a ticket or bear encounters, put
trash cans out the morning they'll be picked
up, not the night before, and use bear-proof
trash cans if you live near the mountains
or bear trails. During spring and summer,
keep pet food, birdseed and feeders out of
the reach of bears. In nature, bears dine on
salmon, moose and berries, not kibble or
pizza crusts.
Under Statute 5 AAC 84 - 5 AAC 92, though,
food can be used as bait to trap furbearers or
to hunt black bears. Check with the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.
Bears and humans share space in the both
the Mat-Su and the Anchorage bowl. In 2014,
there were 250 to 350 black bears and 65 brown
bears, or grizzlies, living in the Anchorage
area, according to Fish and Game. The Mat-Su
population exceeds those numbers by many
hundreds.
In general, a bear can be shot and killed in
NPS
defense of life and property, but in those cases,
PHOTO
the bear must be salvaged and turned over to
Fish and Game.
10 3� 2Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Welcome to Alaska
A moose, especially a mother moose with a
In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H.
THE 49TH STATE
calf or calves, is extremely dangerous. Give all
Seward purchased the territory from Russia
moose a wide berth.
for $7.2 million, less than 2 cents per acre.
Statehood granted: Jan. 3, 1959
Go to www.adfg.alaska.gov for detailed
View the canceled check used for the pur-
Landmass: 570,641 square miles,
information about dealing with wildlife, fish-
chase online at the National Archives, www.
the largest state
ing, hunting and regulations.
http://www.ourdocuments.govourdocuments.gov.
Highest point: Denali, 20,310 feet,
The Klondike Gold Strike in the late 19th
highest point in North America
SEASONS
century brought a torrent of new residents
Lowest Point: Sea level
Summer offers endless daylight, short-sleeve
avid for quick riches. World War II prompted
Shoreline: 33,904 miles
weather and plenty of time to grow vegetables,
even more arrivals because of the territory's
Rivers: More than 3,000
berries and flowers, or hike, bike, kayak,
strategic location, and the first road punched
Lakes: More than 3 million
canoe, camp, fish and otherwise explore and
through Canada to Alaska from the Lower
Largest lake: Lake Iliamna, more than
enjoy the great outdoors.
48 led to still more expansion. Ever since, the
1,000 square miles
Though bitterly cold, winter comes in a close
military has maintained a strong presence. A
Glaciers: Estimated 100,000; largest
second in popularity among residents. Sports
wealth of natural resources eventually induced
Malaspina at 850 square miles
and outdoor activities range from the extreme
Congress to admit the territory into the Union
Capital: Juneau
to moderate: sledding with dogs, toboggans or
as a state in 1959, and discovery of oil a decade
Song: "Alaska's Flag"
snowmachines, skiing, snowboarding, skating,
later on state-owned North Slope land under-
Flower: Forget-Me-Not
snowshoeing or ice climbing. Indoor activities
wrote that decision. As the lumber and fishing
include hockey, basketball and volleyball.
Tree: Sitka spruce
industries have declined, oil continues to con-
A few clear days above 50 degrees signal
Fossil: Woolly mammoth
tribute to state coffers, though both produc-
spring, and shortly thereafter the budding
Gemstone: Jade
tion and the global price per barrel have been
trees explode into a green canopy of leaves in
Mineral: Gold
dropping.
a matter of days. All sorts of colorful flowers
Motto: "North to the Future"
As oil production has fallen, other energy
muscle up from the defrosting ground. But
Nickname: The Last Frontier
options -- natural gas, wind, solar, geother-
blink, and this season's gone.
Insect: Skimmer dragonfly
mal, hydro, tidal -- are under increasing dis-
Similar to spring's brief reign, fall flashes
cussion statewide, not only for money to run
Bird: Willow ptarmigan
with orange, red and amber colors, and then
state services but for jobs and resource conser-
Fish: King salmon
the crisp, cool days succumb once again to
vation and in response to accelerating climate
Land Mammal: Moose
wind and snow.
change.
Marine Mammal: Bowhead whale
In addition, as temperatures warm and sea
Sport: Dog mushing
ALASKA HISTORY
ice melts across the top of the globe, open-
Holidays: Alaska Day, Oct. 19
Alaska is young. In 2009, residents cele-
ing shipping lanes through the resource-
Seward's Day, Last Monday in March
brated 50 years of statehood. Long before that
rich Northwest Passage, Alaska is becoming
time -- 20,000 to 6,000 years ago -- indig-
increasingly important from a geopolitical and
enous peoples migrated from Asia across the
military standpoint.
the state. Boroughs resemble counties except
frozen Bering Sea just as receding glaciers
for law enforcement, which is either by local
uncovered boreal tundra and forests began to
GOVERNMENT
police or state troopers.
take root.
Supported mostly by oil revenue until
Nineteen organized and one unorganized
Those first inhabitants fared better against
recently, Alaska state government has operated
borough cover more than 144 communities
the harsh climate and conditions than they did
much as state governments do in the Lower 48,
and encompass 89.5 percent of the popula-
with the Russians and Americans who showed
with a House of Representatives and Senate,
tion of the state. Anchorage, 0ANCHORAGE
Juneau, Si0GDE
tka
09-55851
up in the 18th century. Despite conflicts and
judiciary and governor. The Statehood Act
and Petersburg are unified home-rule bor-
ALASKA RAILROAD
cultural impacts, Alaska Natives -- those who
created a mid-level government -- a borough
oughs, which consolidate all the local govern-
E-MAILED AD FILE
survived -- persisted and adapted.
-- encompassing cities, towns or villages, and
ments, according to the state Depa0EP2rt 006/14/16
ment of
RESIZED S/B 1/8 PG GO 10/5/16
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Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 211

Welcome to Anchorage
Commerce, Community and Economic Devel-
opment. The municipality of Anchorage, for
example, merged the Greater Anchorage Area
Borough with the city of Anchorage and such
communities as Eagle River and Girdwood.
The remaining boroughs are non-unified
home-rule, first-class or second-class, with a
regional government that complements city
governments within borough boundaries.
The sole unorganized borough, called simply
the Unorganized Borough, covers more than
half the state's land mass and has slightly more
than 10 percent of Alaska's population divided
into 11 federal census areas. This borough is
neither a political subdivision nor a municipal
corporation, but it delivers federal funds and
state services with the help of local officials. In
1992, state officials divided the Unorganized
Borough into 18 smaller model boroughs, but
none of those has organized or incorporated.
One of the biggest influences on the evolu-
NPS
tion of present-day government occurred in
PHOTO/MATTHEW
1971 when President Richard Nixon signed
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Basically, Native Alaskans gave up decades-
YARBROUGH
old land claims in return for 44 million acres
of land and $963 million. The settlement com-
pensated Natives for the collaborative use of
their lands and opened the way for all Alas-
kans to profit from oil, at that time one of the
state's largest natural resources.
ANCSA divided the land and money among
200 villages and 12 Native-owned regional
corporations plus a 13th made up of Natives
living outside the state. Today more than
246 federally recognized tribal governments
supervise the land.
The settlement and eventual oil revenue plus
federal funds eliminated the need then for a
statewide sales tax or personal income tax,
though a handful of communities, villages or
boroughs imposed local sales taxes. Alaska's
need to replace lost oil revenues, however, may
result in imposition of a statewide income tax
or sales tax in coming months.
The discovery of a massive oil field on
the North Slope of Alaska in 1968 altered
the state's economic landscape and led to a
46-year bonanza of jobs, personal income and
revenues, and creation of the Alaska Perma-
nent Fund.
Oil's importance to the state cannot be over-
NPS
stated. At its peak it supplied nearly 90 percent
PHOTO
of state government's general fund, contrib-
BY
uted $7.44 billion annually to Alaskans' per-
BETTS
sonal income and supported one-third of the
AND
jobs in the state, according to the University
HANNAN
of Alaska Anchorage's Institute of Social
and Economic Research. Global oversupply,
12 3� 2Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Welcome to Alaska
PETRTYL
PHOTO/BRYAN
NPS
however, has sent oil prices skidding from
This investment fund was constitution-
ALASKA 2015
more than $100 per barrel in 2014 to less than
ally established under Gov. Jay Hammond
POPULATIONS
$30 per barrel in early 2016, with correspond-
in 1976 from the state's share of oil profits
ing losses to Alaska.
flowing from the North Slope. From its ini-
Alaska's population....................... 738,432
The trans-Alaska oil pipeline now car-
tial investment of $734,000 in 1977 -- less
Five Largest Boroughs
ries about 500,000 barrels of oil a day from
than the price of a single luxury home these
Municipality of Anchorage................. 298,695
Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope 800 miles to
days -- it had grown to $51.5 billion by
Matanuska-Susitna Borough............. 101,095
the marine terminal in Valdez. This is about
October 2015.
Fairbanks North Star Borough ............. 99,631
25 percent of the 2.1 million barrels of its
That month the fund split $1.3 billion in div-
Kenai Peninsula Borough .................... 58,059
throughput in 1988. About 7 percent of the
idends among some 644,000 qualifying appli-
nation's oil production comes from Alaska
cants, $2,072 apiece, according to the state
Juneau City & Borough ....................... 32,756
these days, but despite the steep decline in
Department of Revenue. The oldest recipient
Ten Largest Communities
the state's oil production, the North Slope still
was 109. The youngest were the 25 babies born
Anchorage ........................................ 298,695
holds vast stores of oil and gas resources for
across the state on Dec. 31, 2014, the qualify-
Juneau ............................................... 32,756
the future.
ing deadline. The dividend varies every year
Fairbanks............................................ 32,325
Alaska is unique among the states in that it
depending on how well the investments have
Wasilla.................................................. 9,284
manages much of its natural wealth under the
performed, but over the past 34 years, it's been
Sitka..................................................... 8,863
Commons, a system based on ancient British
more than $1,000 for 29 times. For 2016, Gov.
Ketchikan ............................................. 8,197
common law. The idea is that benefits from
Bill Walker capped October's PFD checks at
Kenai.................................................... 7,661
commonly held properties should go to all
$1,000 each in response to the state's budget
Palmer.................................................. 6,788
instead of just a lucky few, which is why each
crunch.
Bethel................................................... 6,450
year, every qualifying man, woman and child
To learn more about the state's government,
in Alaska gets a substantial check from the
Kodiak .................................................. 6,253
boroughs, communities and villages, visit
Alaska Permanent Fund.
-- U.S. Census Bureau
http://www.alaska.govwww.alaska.gov.
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 2� 313

Getting Here
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ROB GERMAN
BY AIR
encountering adverse weather and temperatures. Wildlife viewing is
If a cross-country road trip and international border crossings or sea/
better in the summer too.
land options don't appeal to you, flying is likely your mode of choice, as it
If you come in winter, beware of rapidly changing weather patterns
is for most visitors. Flights from the Lower 48 typically take a few hours,
and the ferocious blizzards that strand unprepared travelers every year.
and hundreds of flights are available daily to and from Ted Stevens
Be aware that in many areas, your cellphone won't work. An atlas and
Anchorage International Airport. Household goods and vehicles can be
up-to-date road maps for the states, provinces and territories you'll be
shipped via road or sea.
traveling through are vital for planning your journey to your new home.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler program
can significantly reduce travel delays, especially at airports. Go to www.
Alaska Highway
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programscbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs for more information.
Once you get to Canada, make your way to the Alaska Highway, which
starts at Dawson Creek in the northern part of British Columbia. Stay on
BY LAND
the "Alcan," as many northerners call it, until you get to 1ANCHORAGE
Beaver Cr 1GDE
eek,
Yukon Territory, and cross the border into Alaska. Keep going 109-55594
First, find a big road map that includes Alaska, Canada and the
until you
GARY ANNIS-STATE FARM
northern border states of the Lower 48. Next, head north-by-northwest
reach Tok, where you'll turn south and arrive in the Mat-Su Valley about
PU W/O CHG
toward Canada; there are dozens of border crossings in Washington,
five hours later.
DHD 7/28/16
Idaho, Montana and points east. Whether starting from Chicago or
Seattle, allow plenty of time for a long, slow, scenic drive. Most travelers
choose the Alberta to Alaska Highway route or the British Columbia/
Yukon route. Find detailed information about driving routes at www.
Gary Annis
http://www.northtoalaska.comnorthtoalaska.com.
Agent
Canada is big, and most of the roads are small, two-lane affairs, some-
times gravel.
3330 C Street, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503-3957
But getting here is half the fun. No matter which way you approach
Bus 907-563-1960 Fax 907-563-3333
Alaska to get to Anchorage, there will be plenty of natural beauty and
mailto:gary@garyannis.comgary@garyannis.com
wildlife to be seen while staying within reach of amenities necessary to
make the trip safe, comfortable and memorable. You can travel north
Thank you for your loyalty. We appreciate you.
on the highways year-round, but the best time is from late spring to
early fall. More facilities are open then, and there is less chance of
14 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Getting Here
Preparation is key since the journey north
to take music or books on tape, as there may
wilderness. You'll shave 150 miles off your
by road from the Lower 48 is more than 2,000
be long stretches without radio or cellphone
route, but be careful as gas stations and other
miles -- the ultimate North American road
reception. If you're bringing children or pets,
accommodations are few and far between.
trip, many call it. Plan for all contingencies,
have plenty to keep them occupied: It's a long,
You'll need to fill up whenever you can. Some
and be sure your vehicle is in top working
long way. Drivers who sign up with a roadside
services close in winter, so if you want to take
order. If you load up with a lot of weight, you
service such as AAA should make sure long-
this route you should plan carefully and find
may need to upgrade your shock absorbers
distance towing is included.
out where you'll be able to get fuel along this
before the trip. Have extra oil, a couple of spare
Seat belts are mandatory in Canada and
stretch of 450 miles -- before you head out.
tires, extra belts and lots of gas money.
Alaska.
Once you get to Watson Lake you'll be back
You'll find a gas station about every hour
Car seats or booster seats are required for
on the Alaska Highway. Travel west to Beaver
or so along most of the way. It's a good idea
children who are 8 years old and younger or
Creek, cross into Alaska and drive through to
to stop when you are at half a tank to take a
weigh less than 65 pounds in Alaska; in Can-
Tok. Then turn south for Anchorage.
break from driving and fill up, not wait until
ada, children must ride in an appropriate car
you are running on empty and there may be no
seat or booster seat until they are at least 4 feet
CANADA
gas station for many, many miles. In Canada
9 inches tall, or 9 years old.
U.S. citizens must have a passport (or equiv-
the price of gas, which is dispensed in liters,
Be prepared to present your passport,
alent travel document) to enter Canada and
was $1.22 per liter, or more than $4.62 for the
driver's license and proof of insurance; you
get back into the United States. Identification
equivalent of a U.S. gallon in August 2016; the
will need to obtain a Canadian insurance
such as a passport, birth certificate, etc., for
comparable price per gallon in the U.S. at that
card from your U.S. company. Drive with
each child traveling with you is mandatory.
time was $3.22. There are 3.785 liters to 1 U.S.
headlights on at all times, and watch out for
Children of divorced parents must have legal
gallon. Go to https://www.gasbuddy.com to
wildlife.
custody documents. Written permission from
search for current gas prices in the U.S. and
parents or guardians is required for children
Cassiar Highway
Canada.
alternate route
who are traveling with adults who are not their
If it's not winter, you could take camping
parents or guardians.
If you head west from Prince George, British
gear and coolers to make a real adventure out
Columbia, to New Hazelton, British Colum-
Companion dogs and cats will need proof
of the move. If it's winter, you'll most likely
bia, you will find yourself at the beginning of
of current rabies vaccinations to enter Can-
want to get a room at night and enjoy a warm
the Cassiar Highway. This is an alternate route
ada with you. Check the Canada Border Ser-
meal. Be sure to pack heavy winter gear so you
that hooks up with the Alaska Highway near
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-your-pet-to-canadavices Agency website at https://travel.gc.ca/
don't freeze in case of car trouble. Make sure
Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. The road has
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-your-pet-to-canadareturning/customs/bringing-your-pet-to-
your tires are suited to hazardous winter road
both disadvantages and advantages over the
https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-your-pet-to-canadacanada for more information about require-
conditions.
Alaska Highway. For one thing, it's not as
ments for all pets.
Summer or winter, regardless of the route
upgraded or as well-paved as the Alcan. On the
Money must be converted from U.S. cur-
you take, be sure to take along plenty of snacks
plus side, you are deeper into the backcountry
rency into Canadian currency, and you will
and beverages to consume while you're on the
of British Columbia and will see more wild
usually get a better rate if you make your
road. Don't forget your camera and be sure
rivers, canyons, glaciers, lakes and pristine
exchange at a bank near the border, on one
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ROB GERMAN
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 � 215

ANCHORAGE GDE
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S&P CERTIFIED CAR CARE LLC
Welcome to Anchorage
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Pets with a valid rabies certificate and a
health certificate are permitted but will be
confined to your vehicle for the entire voyage,
except when you are allowed on the vehicle
deck to exercise them during stopovers en
route or at selected times while underway.
Access to vehicles is restricted for most of
the trip.
Ferries are not cruise ships. Ferry passengers
view the same scenery as the nearly 2 million
cruise ship passengers every summer, but the
similarities end there. Wise travelers bring
coolers of food and beverages, blankets, pil-
lows, towels, their own entertainment -- and a
camera to snap photos of whales, puffins, calv-
side or the other. Most major U.S. credit cards
depending on the route. The water way also
ing glaciers, other marine life and the rugged
are accepted for payment in Canada, and you
affords ferry passengers an opportunity to
coastline.
won't have to worry about the conversion rate.
take in the natural splendor of Southeast
To make reservations and find schedules,
You should still take a good amount of cash
Alaska and communities that can't be reached
http://www.alaska.gov/ferryfares and other information, visit www.alaska.
in case you end up stopping somewhere that
by road.
http://www.alaska.gov/ferrygov/ferry.
doesn't accept credit cards.
For most of the year, Bellingham-boarding
Canada has specific instructions for nonresi-
passengers can travel as far as Haines at the
ALASKA DRIVING
dents who want to transport firearms into or
northern edge of southeastern Alaska. From
Driver's license &
through Canada, so be sure to check with the
there, Anchorage is a 700-mile drive by way
vehicle registration
Canada Border Services Agency before travel-
of a corner of western Canada and part of the
Alaska law requires that you obtain an
ing. Certain classes of firearms are allowed but
Alaska Highway. From June through Septem-
Alaska driver's license within 90 days of
must be declared for a 60-day registration per-
ber, a ferry docks at Whittier, a 90-minute
arrival (30 days for commercial licenses), and
mit. For more information, call the Canadian
drive from Anchorage.
you must register your vehicles with the state
Firearms Program at 800-731-4000 or visit
The ferries offer passage for vehicles and
within 60 days of arrival. To obtain an Alaska
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfpwww.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp.
people, although cabins must be reserved
driver's license, you will have to provide your
All fully automatic weapons, all hand guns,
many weeks or months in advance. If you do
Social Security number, surrender your out-
guns less than 26 inches in length, pepper
not have cabin space on overnight trips, you
of-state driver's license and pass written, road,
spray, Mace and Tasers are prohibited in Can-
will go deck passage and may sleep in lounge
vision and alcohol/drug awareness tests.
ada. Many people choose to ship their firearms
chairs or on the floor inside lounges, or you
Registration of your vehicles will require
to Alaska rather than try to take them through
may set up a small tent in allowable spots.
proof of ownership in the form of a title and
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htmCanada. Find more information at www.rcmp-
Public showers are available on most ferries,
registration documents from the state where
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htmgrc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm.
as is cafeteria service. The cost of meals is
you previously lived, along with proof of
It is strongly recommended that all travel-
additional.
insurance.
ers leaving the U.S. verify the specific docu-
mentary requirements for their destination
country. This information is available through
http://www.travel.state.govwww.travel.state.gov or by consulting the
embassy of the country you are visiting.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's
Trusted Traveler program can significantly
reduce travel delays, especially at airports.
Travelers are encouraged to visit www.cbp.gov
for updated travel information.
BY SEA
Some travelers choose a land/sea itiner-
PHOTOGRAPHY
ary for the trip north. Travelers can hook up
with the Alaska Marine Highway from Bell-
PROVIDED
ingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, Brit-
ish Columbia, and continue their journey to
BY
Alaska aboard ocean-going ferries. By using
ROB
the ferries, travelers can eliminate several hun-
GERMAN
dred to a thousand miles of highway driving,
16 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Getting Here
maneuverability; sandbags or bags of cat litter
BRINGING YOUR PET
used for weight can also provide extra traction
TO ALASKA
when their contents are sprinkled on ice.
Keep whatever you need in your car to get
Those traveling with pets must have the ani-
you through the night if you get stranded.
mal's current shot records, including proof of
Weather changes quickly, and a big moose can
rabies vaccination, as well as a health certifi-
lurch in front of your vehicle without warning.
cate issued within 30 days of travel. If you are
Often, you'll be far from help. Carry blankets
coming from a rabies quarantine area or have
and low-temperature-rated sleeping bags for
pets that cannot be vaccinated for rabies, you
everyone in the car. Always carry duct tape,
must contact the State Veterinarian Office in
GERMAN
road flares, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a small
Anchorage at 907-375-8215 to get a permit to
ROB
tool kit and freeze-dried ready-to-eat food. It
bring the animal into the state.
BY
will take longer to get where you are going on
If you are flying your pet up, check with the
winter roads, so plan accordingly.
PROVIDED
airline to learn its regulations on pet travel.
People who've never driven on ice and snow
Small pets that can fit in an under-the-seat
will need to learn how to drive all over again
carrier may be taken on board, though with
PHOTOGRAPHY
when winter hits. Snow and ice greatly reduce
limits. Pets traveling in the lower hold of the
tire traction -- your vehicle will go a lot farther
Alaska law requires vehicle owners to main-
aircraft must be contained in an FAA-regulation
before it stops, whether you have four-wheel
tain liability insurance for the following mini-
air kennel (no wire kennels allowed) and be
drive or not. Most Alaskan drivers swear by
mum amounts: $50,000 for bodily injury or
able to comfortably stand up and turn around
studded tires.
death of any one person, $100,000 for bodily
in the kennel. There also may be seasonal
When you brush the snow and scrape the
injury or death for any accident, and $25,000
restrictions.
ice off your windshield, take time to clear the
for property damage. Proof of insurance must
headlights and taillights and rear and side
Your veterinarian can provide more infor-
be in the driver's possession when operating a
windows too. In winter, especially with the
mation on travel, including whether to sedate
vehicle. Failure to present proof of insurance
long hours of darkness in Alaska, clear vision
your pet, and address other health and safety
could result in having the vehicle impounded.
and visibility in every direction may spare you
concerns.
For more information, see the DMV website
an accident.
at doa.alaska.gov/dmv.
Hitting a moose at any time is no joke.
Moose are common in winter. They hang
Summer roads
around town where the snow isn't as deep as in
There's more traffic in the summer, so drive
the mountains, and they go where they please
defensively and look out for people on motor-
to find food: yards, gardens and roadsides. The
cycles and bicycles because they may be hard
long, dark hours make moose harder to see,
to see. Smoke from occasional wildfires also
and one can be right in front of your car in an
can obscure roadways. Drive with lights on
instant -- they can move a lot faster than their
at all times of the year -- other drivers can
gangly legs suggest. The cardinal winter driv-
see you better. On some roads, such as the
ing rule -- SLOW DOWN -- really does apply
Seward Highway south of Anchorage, driving
if you want to avoid tangling with a moose,
with lights is mandatory. When it rains, slow
which will wreck your car and kill the moose.
down; the roads will be slippery. Also, summer
In Anchorage's six-month winter, it can get
and road construction go together in Alaska.
as cold as 30 degrees below zero during a cold
Watch out for workers on the road, and pay
snap. A car needs to have an engine block
attention to heavy equipment and signs; fines
heater to plug in, or you'll need to run your
double in construction zones.
car for a while every three or four hours in
such temperatures. Prepare with a high-qual-
Winter roads
ity, light-weight oil and antifreeze rated to at
Winter driving in Alaska is a real chal-
least 50 below, and don't let your gas level drop
lenge. The most important safety tip is SLOW
below half a tank or your fuel line may freeze
DOWN. Roads get icy, and speed is the great-
shut. An emergency brake also can freeze, so
est contributor to the hundreds of accidents on
instead of setting it, leave your vehicle in park,
Alaska roads every winter. It would seem obvi-
or in gear if it has a standard transmission.
ous that it takes longer to stop on icy roads, but
Before freeze-up and occasionally thereafter
GERMAN
many drivers apparently have to learn that all
in winter, it's a good idea to squirt WD-40 into
ROB
over again every year.
each door lock to ensure it doesn't freeze solid
BY
Front-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive
and lock you out of your vehicle. A spritz of
vehicles coupled with studded snow tires go a
vegetable oil along the door gaskets will keep
PROVIDED
long way to reduce white-knuckle fever. Extra
the doors from icing shut, and carrying a can
weight centered on the rear axle helps with
of de-icer is also a good idea. 6
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 217

Municipality of
Anchorage
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ROB GERMAN
nchorage has the area and benefits of a big city but a small-city
population, just a shade under 300,000.
A
municipality maintains more than 250 miles of trails, 135 miles of them
paved, and greenbelts linking neighborhoods with surrounding natural
The municipality stretches some 50 miles between Portage
open spaces and wildlife habitat; 10,946 acres of municipal parkland;
Glacier to the south and Eklutna to the north, along the shores of Cook
223 parks with 82 playgrounds; 110 athletic fields; five po 3ANCHORAGE
ols; and 1 3GDE
1 rec-
Inlet's Turnagain and Knik arms. It includes the communities of Gird-
reation centers. Anchorage residents are personally vested in th309-55717
eir parks;
ENSTAR NATURAL GAS COMPANY
wood, Indian, Eagle River, Eklutna and Chugiak.
in 2013, more than 6,000 volunteers donated over 125,000 hours to the
PU W/ CHG
Of the more than 1,704 square miles encompassed by the munici-
Parks and Recreation Department to keep their parks looking good.
DHD 9/22/16
pality, only slightly more than 10 percent is inhabited. Chugach State
Park, the third-largest state park in the U.S., covers 40 percent of the
borough. A mere sliver of Chugach National Forest takes up another
half-million acres (the entire forest is as big as New Hampshire). More
than 134 square miles within the municipality belong to the military;
the military presence at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson numbered
more than 41,500 people in 2016, counting active duty, civilians and
their families.
Number to call if you smell gas ..........1-844-SMELL GAS
Anchorage is cradled in a natural bowl with mountains to the east,
Number to call for
Turnagain Arm to the south, Cook Inlet due west and Knik Arm to the
ENSTAR Customer Service .................................277-5551
north. The municipality has 26 watersheds and hundreds of creeks within
Call Before You Dig � utility locates
(two business days) ......................................................
the urban area, making it perhaps the top city for accessible streams and
811
3000 Spenard Road � www.enstarnaturalgas.com
greenbelts; a map is available at www.anchoragewatershed.com. The
18 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Municipality of Anchorage
In September 2014, Outside magazine
ranked Anchorage as one of the nation's best
outdoor towns -- No. 4, behind only Minne-
apolis; Provo, Utah; and the winner, Duluth,
Minnesota -- based on votes cast by 1.5 mil-
lion readers.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Anchorage is home to 41 percent of the
population of Alaska. Those living elsewhere
GERMAN
ROB
in the state often consider Alaska's largest city
BY
a little crowded, but people arriving in Alaska
from cities elsewhere find Anchorage far from
PROVIDED
jammed.
Relative to the rest of the United States,
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anchorage's population skews younger, the
average age hovering close to 33, versus 37.2.
District -- and students spoke 99 languages
GETTING AROUND
Among the states, Alaska had the lowest per-
at home. After English, the five most common
Rush-hour traffic in Anchorage is heavy
centage of population age 65 or older (9.4 per-
were Spanish, Hmong, Samoan, Filipino and
at the beginning and end of the work day,
cent) in 2014, the U.S. Census said, but the
Yup'ik.
but the rest of the time there is little to no
second-highest percentage of total population
In 2014, just under two-thirds of the
congestion, and you can get just about any-
under age 5 (7.5 percent), bested only by Utah's
Anchorage population was of working age,
where in the city in 20 minutes or less on
8.4 percent.
between 18 and 65. School-age children came
dry roads. The census clocks Anchorage's
Anchorage continues to increase in ethnic
in at 14.6 percent, children under 5 account
mean commute time at 19 minutes, which
diversity; minorities accounted for 43.5 per-
for 7.4 percent and seniors, 65 years of age and
is 7 minutes faster than the 2 2ANCHORAGE
6-minute 2GUIDE
aver-
cent of the population in 2015, when minority
older, made up 8.1 percent. Men held a slight
age elsewhere. But allow more time i 209-55715
n winter
students made up 56 percent of the 45,842-
NORTH STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
edge over women in numbers: 50.9 percent to
on streets packed with ice and snow, which
pupil student body of the Anchorage School
PU W/O CHG
49.1 percent.
slow traffic.
DHD 9/24/16
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 3� 419

ANCHORAGE GDE
09-55850
CHECKER CAB
Welcome to Anchorage
EP 06/20/16
Visit www.alaskarailroad.com for more
information.
People Mover
People Mover, Anchorage's public trans-
portation system, has 52 fully accessible,
state-of-the-art buses that run from south
Anchorage to Eagle River on 14 routes, trav-
eling more than 2 million miles a year. There
are a number of special services as well, among
them AnchorRIDES, a shared-ride service for
people age 60 and over and those whose dis-
abilities prevent them from using the fixed-
route buses, and Share-A-Ride vanpooling.
Associated services also get residents and
Two roads lead out of town. The Seward
city-operated Merrill Field, you can be in the
visitors to where they want to go, like the Flat-
Highway heads south to the Kenai Peninsula.
air and on your way anytime.
top Mountain shuttle, Glacier Valley Transit
The Glenn Highway goes north for about
And Alaskans fly a lot. The number of annual
and Valley Mover Transit. People Mover col-
30 miles to a multimillion-dollar interchange
enplanements -- 4.8 million -- is 6.5 times the
laborates with the Anchorage Public Library
where travelers can pick up the Parks High-
state's population, by an FAA count. That com-
for the innovative and free Books on Buses
way to Denali National Park and Fairbanks;
pares with only 2.4 times the population for all
program that puts age-appropriate books on
motorists also can stay on the Glenn northeast
the other states.
each bus for little ones to enjoy while riding.
to its Interior connection with the Richardson
Commuters can go to www.PeopleMover.org
Highway, which also leads to Fairbanks, and
Alaska Railroad
to have Google Maps plan their trips for them
to the Alaska Highway, the route to Canada
The state-owned Alaska Railroad offers
in seconds.
and the Lower 48.
passenger service from Seward to Fairbanks
If you like to fly, Anchorage is the place for
with stops in Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna,
ACCOMMODATIONS
you. As 2016 began, Alaska had 7,933 active
Denali National Park, Girdwood and Whit-
Whatever you look for in a hotel can be
pilots, the FAA said or about one for every
tier. The train goes to places accessible only
found in Anchorage -- luxury, high-rise, his-
93 residents, and 9,346 registered aircraft. Our
by rail, and because the state is so beautiful
toric hotels that rent suites for the price of a
airports accommodate planes of every size and
and there is so much to see, domed cars are
room and budget motels for families.
description. Whether from the state-operated
available to maximize the experience in the
The best place to get a listing of available
Ted Stevens Anchorage
summer. Usually there are special deals, and
hotels and the city's growing number of bed
International Air-
don't overlook events trains like the Alyeska
and breakfast establishments is the Visit
port with the adja-
Halloween Train, the Fair Train, the Hoodoo
Anchorage website at www.anchorage.net. The
cent Lake Hood
Choo Choo, the Blues Train, Holiday Trains,
Anchorage Bed & Breakfast Association has a
F lo a t p l a n e
the Nordic Ski Train, the Who Let the Girls
website as well, www.anchorage-bnb.com.
Base or the
Out Train and the Easter Train. In summer,
there's the wilderness Hurricane Turn Train,
MORE COMMUNITIES
and in the frosty cold months, northern lights
North of Anchorage and Eagle River are
watchers can hop the Aurora Winter Train on
the communities of Chugiak, Birchwood,
weekends between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Peters Creek and Eklutna, which are mostly
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY VISIT ANCHORAGE/NICOLE GEILS
20 3� Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAG AG
09-55716
H&R BLOCK
Municipality of Anchora
GO 1ge
10/4/16
residential with an occasional church, res-
taurant, bar, gas station or convenience store
thrown in. Bounded by the Knik Arm of Cook
Inlet on one side and steep mountains on the
other, the communities blend into each other
as you travel north on the Glenn Highway.
Eklutna Lake, another popular entrance to
Chugach State Park and the source of Anchor-
age's top-rated drinking water, is at the north
end of these communities.
Girdwood
Girdwood lies south of Anchorage, though
still within municipal boundaries. This moun-
tain community began as a gold mining supply
camp on the shores of Cook Inlet's Turnagain
Arm and expanded when the railroad came
ANCHORAGE HISTORY
boom was World War II, which saw the con-
through in 1915.
Eklutna, at the northern edge of the munici-
struction of what were then Elmendorf Air
After the 1964 earthquake swamped the
pality, dates back at least 800 years. It is the
Force Base and Fort Richardson Army Post
townsite, Girdwood picked up and moved 2.5
oldest continually inhabited Athabascan site
northeast of the city center.
miles to higher ground up the valley, where
near Anchorage and is at the junction of sev-
In 1959 the Territory of Alaska was granted
it is today. Now this world-class, year-round
eral traditional Alaska Native trails. Anchor-
statehood and became the 49th state of the
resort community is home to people who love
age, however, is a product of the 20th century.
United States.
the outdoors and mountain living. Anchor-
There was no white settlement in Anchorage
Then the 1964 Good Friday earthquake
age residents frequent Mount Alyeska, which
until the federal government decided to build
struck with a force of 9.2 on the Richter scale,
has benefited Olympic and recreational ski-
a railroad from Seward to Fairbanks, Alaska's
the second-largest known earthquake in world
ers alike. Visit www.girdwood.com or www.
largest community at the time. Headquarters
history. Since the quake's epicenter was only
http://www.girdwoodchamber.comgirdwoodchamber.com to learn more.
for the railroad were set up at the boat anchor-
80 miles from Anchorage, there was massive
age near the mouth of Ship Creek in 1915,
structural loss -- homes, commercial build-
Eagle River
and permanent wood structures started pop-
ings, roads, railroads, communication equip-
and Chugiak
ping up within weeks. The city incorporated
ment, airport control towers, utilities and
Eagle River and nearby Chugiak are often
in 1920.
recreation spots were destroyed, disabled or
described as bedroom communities for
Anchorage's growth was tied directly to the
damaged. Nine people died in the city, and the
Anchorage, 10 miles and 20 miles north of the
booms and busts in Alaska's economy over the
destruction caused by the biggest quake ever
city, respectively. There were more than 35,000
next 75 years. After the railroad, the next big
recorded in North America cost hundreds
residents in 2015, according to the Chugiak-
Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, and it's a
popular area for Anchorage workers to live. No
wonder: The commute takes half an hour or
less via a limited access, multilane highway, so
Eagle River and Chugiak are close both to the
amenities of Alaska's largest city and the wild.
Grocery stores, restaurants and service-
oriented businesses crowd Eagle River's main
streets, making things easy for busy residents.
The swift, glacier-fed river the town is named
for tumbles through it and offers opportuni-
ties for kayaking and rafting for the skillful, as
well as streamside activities such as picnick-
ing and hiking. Visit the Chugiak-Eagle River
Chamber of Commerce at www.cer.org.
The first five families to settle in what is
now Chugiak chose "Chugiak" for their town
GERMAN
name because the Athabascan word means
ROB
"the place of many places," and they wanted
BY
a community that would welcome everybody,
wherever they were from. Since then, the
PROVIDED
community has been known for its rugged
individuals.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 3� 421

Welcome to Anchorage
individual still can make a difference, and the
distinction of wandering moose, bears and
other wild critters as neighbors year-round.
WEATHER
Anchorage has an unfair reputation when
it comes to weather. There is a misconception
that the city is a dark, cold place. But Anchor-
age has a relatively temperate climate similar
to that of other northern cities of equivalent
PHOTOGRAPHY
latitude near water such as Stockholm, Oslo,
Helsinki and St. Petersburg. Summer tempera-
PROVIDED
tures can reach into the 70s with the average
high being around 65 degrees from spring
BY
through fall. Average winter temperatures are
ROB
above zero, typically ranging from 10 to 15
GERMAN
degrees at night and 20 to 25 degrees in day-
time. The Pacific Ocean, by way of the Gulf of
Alaska and Cook Inlet, keeps the temperature
of millions of dollars. The only good things
ski areas, more than 180 parks, 259 miles of
from getting too extreme most of the time.
about the quake were the resulting construc-
maintained recreational trails, a central new
The record high in Anchorage was 85 degrees
tion boom and modernization of the city and
library, civic center, sports arena and perform-
in 1969, the National Weather Service says,
a new individual and collective awareness of
ing arts center were among the developments.
and the record low was 34 below zero in 1975.
needing to be ready for earthquakes that was
Tourism and recreation became important
Cold snaps of a week or more can push tem-
expressed through building codes, zoning,
elements in the modern Anchorage econ-
peratures to double digits below zero, but that
communications and personal emergency
omy, providing significant diversification
usually happens only a few times over the
preparedness.
from the basics of oil, construction and air
course of a winter. Often such a cold snap is
Oil was discovered on Alaska's North Slope
transportation.
followed by a warm Chinook wind from the
on state land at Prudhoe Bay in 1968. This
Now into the second decade of the 21st cen-
south that melts the snow and jacks up the
marked the beginning of an era of growth --
tury, many consider Anchorage the best place
temperature until it's almost balmy. Because of
another big boom in a boom-and-bust state.
to live in Alaska. This 24-hour city offers the
those nights and days at less than 20 degrees,
Nearly a billion dollars' worth of capital proj-
benefits of a larger metropolis, a highly valued,
it's advisable to have a block heater on your car
ects, a beautification program and community
small-town-America quality of life where an
so it can be plugged in. High winds come and
planning were made possible by the flood of oil
revenues into the state treasury. Dating from
ONLINE RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS
1960, with a big boost from the trans-Alaska
oil pipeline, the population of Anchorage
UTILITIES
Water & Wastewater
more than tripled to surpass 300,000 in 2014.
Electricity
AWWU ....................................www.awwu.biz
Anchorage International Airport, formally
Chugach Electric Association
GOVERNMENT
named Ted Stevens Anchorage International
(Anchorage & south)
............................. www.chugachelectric.com
Municipality of Anchorage........www.muni.org
Airport to honor the state's long-serving U.S.
senator in 2000, also grew considerably dur-
MEA (Eagle River & north)...... www.mea.coop
State of Alaska......................www.alaska.gov
ing this time. Anchorage's unique location
ML&P (Downtown Anchorage)
U.S. Veterans Affairs......... www.alaska.va.gov
between two continents has earned it the nick-
.......................................... www.mlandp.com
Law Enforcement
name "Crossroads of the Air World."
Garbage & Recycling
Alaska State Troopers
In 1971 Elmendorf Air Force Base hosted
Alaska Waste ............... www.alaskawaste.net
www.dps.state.ak.us/ast................................ www.dps.state.ak.us/ast
a meeting between President Richard Nixon
Anchorage Regional Landfill &
Anchorage Police Department
and Emperor Hirohito of Japan. The meeting
Solid Waste Services........ www.muni.org/sws
www.muni.org/apd.........................................www.muni.org/apd
was remarkable because it was the first time
Local Phone/Internet/Cable
FBI Alaska................. http://anchorage.fbi.gov
in Japan's 2,000-year history that the reigning
Alaska Communications
monarch had traveled to foreign soil.
.................. www.alaskacommunications.com
Fire Department
www.muni.org/departments/fire/pages/contactinfo.aspxAnchorage Fire Department. ...www.muni.org/
In 1973 the first modern Iditarod Trail Sled
AT&T.......................www.corp.att.com/Alaska
www.muni.org/departments/fire/pages/contactinfo.aspxDepartments/Fire/Pages/contactinfo.aspx
Dog Race was held. The ceremonial start in
GCI (Anchorage)........................ www.gci.com
Anchorage is still broadcast annually around
Animal Control
MTA (Eagle River & north)
http://www.muni.org/Departments/health/Admin/animal_control/pages/default.aspxwww.muni.org/Departments/health/Admin/
the world.
www.mtasolutions.com.................................. www.mtasolutions.com
http://www.muni.org/Departments/health/Admin/animal_control/pages/default.aspxanimal_control/Pages/default.aspx
By the end of the '80s, Anchorage residents
had witnessed vast improvements in the
Natural Gas
Post Office
Enstar..................www.enstarnaturalgas.com
www.usps.comU.S.P.S....................................www.usps.com
city's infrastructure and quality of life. Three
22 4� 3Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE RELO GUIDE
09-55847
WRIGHTWAY AUTO CARRIERS
Welcome to Anchorage1PU W/O CHG
JB 6/4/16
is so common that it's almost unremarkable
cross-country skiing, skating, skijoring and
-- until you spot one grazing on your favorite
dog mushing all have enthusiasts.
ornamental shrubs.
Bears also come calling, and most residents
BASIC SERVICES
are bear-aware and take care to keep garbage
Anchorage is a full-service city. A key
and pet food out of their reach. Foxes and coy-
component of your relocation is connecting
otes visit the greenbelts, and when the snow-
to basic services, including getting utilities
shoe hare population is high, you may spot a
hooked up at your new home. Much of the leg-
reclusive lynx at Kincaid Park -- where even
work for this can be done online or by phone
a wolverine, rarely seen by anyone anywhere,
before you arrive. If you're working with a
was spotted in 2010. Some winters a small wolf
Realtor to purchase or lease your new home, he
pack is active in the area.
or she may help you with this. If you're on your
The source of all this wildlife is Chugach
own, the contacts for basic services follow.
State Park, the eastern border of the munici-
There are two local telephone companies and
pality. Access trailheads are on Upper
several mobile and long-distance carriers, one
O'Malley and Upper Huffman roads; north of
main cable television provider, several local
town at the Eagle River Nature Center, Hiland
television and radio stations, a daily newspaper,
Road, Thunderbird Falls and Eklutna Lake;
a weekly newspaper, a monthly business maga-
and south of town at park headquarters in
zine, police, state troopers, firefighters, animal
the Potter Section House, Indian Valley, Bird
control and an emergency responder system.
Creek and Girdwood.
Anchorage has a come a long way since 1915,
The park offers a multitude of opportunities
when President Woodrow Wilson funded
for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, climbing,
construction of the Alaska Railroad, which
camping, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking
planted its headquarters at Ship Creek and
and wildlife viewing are virtually unlimited in
generated a tent city. Now, more than 298,000
the summer months. In winter, snowshoeing,
people live within the municipality. 6
go, particularly in the Hillside neighborhoods
of south Anchorage and along the Chugach
foothills in the Muldoon neighborhood.
Sometimes it snows in April or even May, the
result of cold northern winds. Sometimes it
rains in December and January when a Chi-
nook or "snow-eater" warms everything.
The weather may be unpredictable, but the
daylight hours are not. During summer sol-
stice in June, there are 22 hours of functional
daylight -- you can drive without lights or
read a newspaper outside at 2 a.m. In contrast,
during December's winter solstice there can
be as few as 5.5 hours of daylight, with the
lengthy darkness mitigated to some extent
by the brightening effect of snow. If you head
north of Anchorage, you'll find more extreme
conditions: much colder colds and hotter hots.
BIG WILD LIFE
Anchorage's slogan "Big Wild Life" can
mean something different to everyone, but in
PHOTOGRAPHY
this case we're talking about the local fauna.
The Chugach Mountains are Anchorage's
PROVIDED
backyard and provide more than just spectac-
ular views. They are home to wildlife ranging
BY
from tiny songbirds to sassy ravens to mas-
ROB
GERMAN
sive moose, which regularly wander through
Anchorage streets and yards. The occurrence
24 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Employment &
Economy
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/TECH. SGT. JOHN GORDINIER
ecause Alaska's economy floated on oil, the global oil price col-
Anchorage retail (shops and stores, bars and restaurants) added almost
lapse -- from more than $100 a barrel in 2014 to less than $27
2,000 jobs in the first five months of 2016 compared with the comparable
B2abarrelin2016--haspromptedbroadbelt-tighteningtodeal periodlastyear,theLaborDepartmentsays.Newretailersoverthepast
with the biggest budget deficit in state history, but health care, tourism
two years included Nordstrom Rack, Pier 1 Imports, Men's Warehouse,
and retail remain bright spots. The jury is still out on the state's fledgling
North Face and H&M as well as the state's first Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
legalized marijuana industry.
on Aug. 30, an opening that had Krispy Kreme fanatics lining up by
In Anchorage, health care growth outpaced that of any other indus-
8 the night before. In July, the big outdoors outfitter Cabela's had almost
try in 2015 by about 500 jobs, a 2.7 percent bump, the Alaska Depart-
50 positions it was trying to fill.
ment of Labor and Workforce Development reports; it projects an
Federal government jobs also are increasing after a slide that began in
additional 2.1 percent of growth in 2016, more if more Alaskans sign
2010, with last year's statewide average of 14,900 on the rise, says state
onto the Affordable Care Act or take advantage of Medicaid expansion.
labor economist Neal Fried. Federal spending directly supports more
About 10 percent of Alaska jobs, or 36,100, are in health care, labor
jobs for Alaskans than any private industry, including energy, and it's
officials estimate.
been the largest employer since territory days. The state's population
More than 2 million tourists spent $1.94 billion in Alaska in 2015, the
may be small, but federal spending looms large because of the sizable
Alaska Travel Industry Association calculates, accounting for 1 of every
military presence, huge federal land holdings, federal health care and
eight jobs. Visitor fees plumped the state budget by $105 million and city
other programs for Alaska Natives and continuing construction of basic
and borough coffers by another $83 million. Tourism's total economic
infrastructure.
impact for the state was $4.17 billion. In Anchorage, the industry added
In Anchorage, 2,300 state jobs were cut in 2015 with more pink slips to
300 jobs last year and is projected to grow by at least another 200 in 2016,
come in 2016 as the Legislature responded to a $3.4 billion state deficit
state economists say. Three new hotels have increased visitor capacity by
by eliminating services. Municipal employment remained mostly flat.
500 to 700 rooms, and restaurants and bars have shaken off their 2014
The military, an Anchorage economic stalwart, staved off proposed con-
doldrums.
gressional cuts of 3,000 soldiers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 227

ANCHORAGE GDE
09-55585
OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Welcome to Anchorage
PU W/O CHG
JB 6/4/16
REV: JB 6/10/10
salary jobs in Anchorage in 2016. These num-
bers don't include the self-employed, fisher-
We're Al Family Here
men or domestic workers. Nor do they include
the more than 9,000 active-duty military per-
Online Ordering Available
sonnel assigned to installations in Anchorage.
In 2014, the most recent figures available,
Tikhatnu 7� 1186 N. Muldoon Rd.
Anchorage residents had a per capita income
(907) 333-1300
of $36,508, compared with the national aver-
age of $28,555. The city's median household
income was $78,121, compared with a state-
Dimond Mall
wide average of $71,829 and a U.S. average of
800 E. Dimond Blvd.
Part Time/Full Time Jobs
$53,482, the U.S. Census says.
Applications At www.olivegarden.com/careers
bloomberg.comBloomberg.com has ranked Anchorage at
(907) 349-1999
No. 10 on its list of America's 50 best cities,
largely because of its parks, trails and green-
in late 2015 by increasing awareness of the
In real estate, sales of high-end homes
belts, its air quality, low unemployment and
Arctic's importance to national defense. The
priced at more than $750,000 have stagnated,
foreclosure rates, and high median income.
decision preserves a stable economic core of
but those below $500,000, in the lower to
TODAY'S JOB MARKET
almost 37,000 people in the city's northeast
upper-middle price ranges, are moving fast as
quadrant.
mortgage rates remain low, and home foreclo-
For 2015, Forbes.com ranked Anchorage
The state's nascent marijuana industry is a
sures are at their lowest point in 10 years, says
No. 129 among U.S. cities that are "Best Places
financial wild card. Alaska legalized medicinal
economist and labor official Karinne Wiebold.
for Business and Careers" and No. 86 for job
growth.
marijuana in 1998 and recreational marijuana
In June 2016, 1,026 single-family homes were
Over the past two decades, Anchorage has
in 2014, to be overseen by a new Marijuana
listed for sale in Anchorage, versus 745 at the
added jobs every year except in 2009, after
Control Board, but communities can opt
same time last year. The average sales price was
the national financial collapse, and now, in
out and implementation of the law has been
$365,811, a hair under last year's and a rever-
2016. Jobs are available but in a highly com-
confused and halting. As of September, it
sal of the four-year trend of Anchorage home
petitive market, and finding work will require
remained unclear when the first marijuana
prices increasing by 3.3 percent annually. The
perseverance.
shops could open in Anchorage or how they
labor department predicted that industries
In July 2016, 340,100 workers made up
would operate.
associated with housing, such as banking,
Alaska's nonfarm labor force, said the Alaska
The fastest-growing demographic in the
investments, financial brokers and insurance,
Department of Labor and Workforce Devel-
state, residents over 65, is feeding the health
would remain flat.
opment. Anchorage's August unemployment
care sector and others such as dining, enter-
On the minus side, oil and its associated
rate of 5.2 percent was lower than the state's
tainment and home remodeling and workers
services hit turbulence. Oil production is less
6.7 percent; the national rate was 4.9 percent
who cater to older Alaskans. In 2011 alone,
than half what it was in 1999; two other state
for the same period.
the number of senior citizens in Alaska
bulwarks, mining and fisheries, were ham-
In May 2015, workers in the Anchorage
jumped 58 percent, what Andrew Halcro,
pered by low commodity prices; and construc-
Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average
president of the Anchorage Chamber of Com-
tion's situation darkened, with a decline of
(mean) hourly wage of $27.36 compared with
merce, is calling a "silver tsunami." A number
4.9 percent projected after 2015's 4 percent gain.
$23.23 nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor
of factors contribute to seniors here aging in
International air cargo always has been a
Statistics said. This may seem high but must
place instead heading south with the moving
major player in Anchorage, and Ted Stevens
be weighed against the high cost of living.
van: no sales or income taxes; senior-friendly
Anchorage International Airport, ranked
The Council for Community and Economic
housing; improved access to health care; the
fifth worldwide for volume of cargo handled
Research pegged the cost of living in Anchor-
willingness of many businesses to hire older
in 2015, has had about 5 million passengers
age at 31.3 percent higher than the national
workers; meaningful volunteer opportuni-
pass through every year for the past 10 years
average in the first quarter of 2016, with hous-
ties; good public transportation; a lifestyle
and has the world's largest and busiest float-
ing and health care significantly above the
that encourages curiosity, involvement and
plane base. Air carriers stop to refuel, change
national average.
activity; and a strong social network. The
crews and perform maintenance when flying
Shelter is in short supply, and rent is ris-
municipality of Anchorage offers seniors a
between the Lower 48, Russia and Asia. FedEx
ing, up a little less than 1 percent in 2016 over
property tax exemption (many stay in their
Express and UPS Airlines operate major inter-
the previous year. Anchorage had the fourth-
own homes), and those over 65 may qualify
national cargo hubs at the airport. The airport
highest median monthly rent in the state,
for an exemption from fees or taxes for their
is responsible for about 15,577 airport and
$1,214. Rent for two-bedroom apartments,
vehicle license plate. In addition, seniors here
community jobs -- 1 in 10 jobs in Anchorage
the most common size, averaged $1,299 per
can draw on strong advocacy groups, among
-- and brings in more than $1 billion annually,
month. Almost everything Alaskans eat,
them the Alaska Commission on Aging, the
airport officials say.
drink, wear, live in or use must be shipped
Older Persons Action Group, AARP and,
Anchorage is a hub for much of the business
here, and given the state's remoteness, ship-
in Anchorage, the Senior Citizens Advisory
conducted in the state. The state labor depart-
ping charges bump prices for necessities to
Commission.
ment counted 156,500 nonfarm wage and
levels that may stun newcomers.
28 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Employment & Economy
The Anchorage Economic Development
In construction, the brightest spots were
moving through the airport. In 2015, freight
Corp.'s Anchorage 3-Year Economic Out-
in road, bridge and other federally funded
volume totaled 2.9 million tons, a nine-year
look for 2016 reports that by June, Anchorage
projects, with decreased activity in private
high and 6 percent more than in 2014. That
employment was down about 2,500 jobs com-
construction.
tonnage number was boosted by a West Coast
pared with June 2015, with most losses in the
Local government jobs in Anchorage rose by
longshoremen's dock strike, and many items
expected sectors of oil and gas, construction,
200 from June 2015 to June 2016, and jobs with
that normally would have gone by sea were
professional services and state government,
the federal government were up by 300 for the
sent by air through Anchorage instead.
which are the most dependent on oil prices.
same period. The same could not be said for
In 2015, the average cargo plane passing
Health care and tourism strengthened, with
the state. Anchorage had lost a little over 200
through Anchorage held 76.7 tons of freight;
health care benefitting especially from Gov.
state jobs and was looking at about 400 more
the previous five-year average was 72.7 tons.
Bill Walker's expansion of Medicaid coverage
to go.
The increase can be credited to larger aircraft
starting in September 2015, which is expected
This year AEDC expects Anchorage
gradually replacing those with less capacity.
to bring billions in federal dollars and create
employment overall to fall 1 percent, or about
About 488 wide-body cargo planes landed
4,000 direct and spinoff jobs.
1,600 jobs, with another 1 percent decline of
every week
1,500 jobs in 2017. The situation is predicted
Though a strong domestic economy should
WHERE THE JOBS ARE
to stabilize in 2018 and begin growing again
support additional air cargo, slowing inter-
After six years of strong growth, including
the following year.
national growth may crimp the numbers. The
1,000 new private-sector jobs in 2015, employ-
In transportation, a record 5.5 million
World Bank has cut back its projected 2016
ment in Anchorage began settling back in
air passengers passed through Ted Stevens
global economic expansion by 0.5 percent to
2016, shedding about 3,100 jobs between
Anchorage International Airport in 2015.
2.4 percent, and China has pegged its own
June 2016 and June 2015. Most were in con-
If early traffic holds though 2016, AEDC is
anticipated growth at 6.7 percent, well below
struction, professional and business services
predicting another record, 5.7 million, an
the nearly 10 percent average of the previous
(1,000 each), oil and gas (700) and state gov-
increase of 3 percent. Tourism in 2016 was
10 years.
ernment (400), according to preliminary state
expected to finish strong; bookings for the lat-
Barring another West Coast dock strike,
figures. It's not all doom and gloom in the
ter half of the season rebounded. Fewer cruise
2016 airport freight volumes should return
oil industry, however. Some companies con-
ships called at Whittier or Seward (3 percent
to 2.77 million tons, closer to their 2014 lev-
tinue investing in infrastructure, the AEDC
down), so Anchorage missed out on about
els, AEDC says, then grow by about 1 percent
points out, among them ConocoPhillips,
10,000 visitors, but the Holland America ship
annually through 2019.
Caelus Energy, Armstrong, BlueCrest Energy,
MS Maasdam made port in Anchorage nine
In 2015, the Port of Anchorage handled
Furie Operating Alaska and Hilcorp, and the
times in 2016, bringing 1,250 passengers with
3.8 million tons of cargo, 9.3 percent more
Native corporations Doyon and Ahtna were
each stop, a total that matched that of direct
than in 2014, mostly attributable to an
drilling exploratory wells near Nenana and
port calls a year earlier and one more stop than
increase in petroleum products brought in by
Glennallen.
in 2015.
ship (1.6 million tons, or almost three times
Health care added more positions (900)
Indications are that the numbers of
as much as in 2014). In-state refining activ-
and so did the federal government (300), the
cruise travelers statewide will
ity was curtailed when Flint Hills Resources'
AEDC says.
increase by about 1 percent in 2017,
North Pole refinery closed in 2014, and pipe-
The retail sector expanded a little over
with Anchorage and Southcentral
line maintenance at Tesoro's Kenai refinery
1 percent in 2015 to 18,100 jobs, then added
the principal beneficiaries.
last year cut into its output, so more fuels
200 more in the first six months of 2016. Cloth-
Business and convention travel in
were coming in from Outside. Four oil tank-
ing stores had the most growth (a Victoria's
fall and winter 2016 likely will be down
ers docked at the port in 2013; in 2015, there
Secret is among several new stores anticipat-
because of less oil and gas activity and state
were 32.
ing openings), and appliance and electronics
worker travel reductions.
With Tesoro's refinery pipeline back in
stores are also doing well.
Anchorage's airport remains the second-
service, the port had fewer sea-going oil
Buoyed by the rising tide of tourists, employ-
busiest cargo airport in the U.S. after Mem-
deliveries in the first six months of 2016
ment in the leisure and hospitality sector rose
phis, Tennessee, in terms of weight landed,
and a volume of only 74,000 tons,
1.5 percent in 2015, to 17,200 jobs, with solid
and is the fifth-largest globally for cargo
a 5 percent falloff from the same
performance expected through this summer.
period in 2015. Port officials are
Professional and business services (engi-
expecting 30 tanker calls this
neers, architects, consultants) marked time
year, however, and end-of-year
in 2015; slipping numbers since 2013, from
figures like those of 2015.
nearly 20,900 jobs to a little over 20,300, were
expected to continue.
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ROB GERMAN
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 � 329

ANCHORAGE GDE
09-55591
GONZALEZ MARKETING - RED ROBIN / PIZZA STUDIO
Welcome to Anchorage
E-MAILED AD FILE
EP 08/30/16
Suites in Midtown, and Cook Inlet Housing
Authority's $4.6 million 33-unit mixed apart-
ment and retail building at Spenard Road and
36th Avenue.
Given reduced public and private spending,
AEDC predicts building permit values will be
down 5 percent in 2016, stabilize over the next
two years and start to improve in 2019.
Total employment in Anchorage aver-
aged 157,900 positions in 2015, about 1,000
more than the July 2014 level. Preliminary
estimates for 2016 indicate job slippage with
about 2,700 fewer jobs in July 2016 than in the
same month in 2015. July figures showed the
strongest bounce in health care and services;
leisure and hospitality, and local government
jobs, holding steady; and modest federal gov-
ernment hires.
JOB SEARCH
It's wise to secure a job before moving to
Alaska. The move is costly and being stranded
here without resources can be a disaster; with
the state budget in deficit, public assistance
is sparse. There are many online resources to
help you with long-distance job hunting such
as the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce
http://www.anchoragechamber.org(www.anchoragechamber.org), the municipal-
ity of Anchorage (www.muni.org), the Alaska
Additions and improvements by private
of construction activity. Permits for residen-
Department of Labor & Workforce Develop-
investors have increased port capacity and
tial, commercial and government construction
ment (www.labor.state.ak.us) and the Alaska
diversified product-handling there. Alaska
in 2015 were valued at $549 million, a 19 per-
Dispatch News (www.adn.com). Craigslist
Basic Industries' addition of a 40,000-ton stor-
cent decline from 2014 but 6.2 percent higher
(https://anchorage.craigslist.org) is another
age dome tripled its space for storing cement.
than the previous five-year average. Residen-
tool for job seekers, as are recruitment sites
A 360,000-barrel storage facility built by Delta
tial building permits totaled $175 million in
such as careerbuilder.com or monster.com.
Western will make it possible to transship
2015, a fall of 10 percent from 2014 but 17 per-
It's prudent to scout the area before you
methanol to the North Slope, a first in terms
cent higher than the average of the previous
relocate -- one trip for exploring the city,
of quantity for the port.
five years. Commercial building permit values
housing, professional networking and infor-
With construction off, statewide unemploy-
totaled $289 million, down 25 percent from
mational interviews, and a second trip dedi-
ment up and population levels declining -- all
2014 but less than 5 percent below the average
cated to interviews with potential employers
affecting inbound freight volume -- AEDC
of the previous five years. Government con-
and recruitment agencies.
expects port activity to fall about 10 percent
struction permit values reached $86 million
You can also reach prospective employers
to something similar to 2013 levels, though
in 2015, 15 percent down from 2014 levels but
online; in fact, many require that applica-
improving economic conditions should pro-
34 percent more than the previous five-year
tions and resumes be submitted only online.
duce an uptick of 1 percent annually from 2017
average.
Many employers are willing to conduct initial
through 2019.
A number of major projects bumped build-
screening over the phone or by video confer-
Service-providing jobs in Anchorage totaled
ing permit activity higher than last year's
ence. When you are communicating with
142,600 in July 2016, 3,100 fewer than in the
through May: They include Alaska Native
them, be sure to let them know when you will
previous July. Job growth in the sector's infor-
Medical Center's $41 million patient-housing
be relocating so you can try to meet in person.
mation industry, however, improved by 100
facility, a $52 million Southcentral Founda-
If the date you planned to move is approach-
positions to 4,200 over last year, as did edu-
tion dental clinic, $23.7 million in school
ing but you don't have a job lined up, consider
cational and health services (up 900 to 26,100)
renovations at Turnagain and Gladys Wood
temping as a way to get your foot in the door,
and health care (up 1,000 to 20,200).
elementary schools, Girdwood's $4 million
though competition for these jobs also is
The leisure and hospitality industry held
Fire Station 41, a $2.9 million wastewater treat-
competitive.
steady at 18,100 workers in accommodation,
ment plant for the municipality of Anchorage,
Don't be conned by sites that make you pay
food services and drinking places.
a $4.4 million Alaska Pacific University medi-
for job listings. You can contact the Better Busi-
The value of building permits issued by the
cal office building, the $3.4 million Ben Boeke
ness Bureau for information about a specific
city of Anchorage provides a partial measure
ice arena, a $19.7 million Staybridges Inn &
company. For more information on finding
30 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Employment & Economy
business participation in the government mar-
DENA'INA CENTER
retention and creation with a vision of expand-
ketplace with seminars, counseling, market
ing and diversifying the Anchorage economy.
research, technical support, a national network
The Dena'ina Civic and Convention Cen-
The AEDC partners with government, educa-
ter, center stage in the heart of downtown
of procurement specialists and collaboration
tion and other business development organi-
Anchorage, has more than tripled Anchorage's
with such entities as the Alaska Small Business
zations in Anchorage and throughout Alaska
capacity for civic and convention events. The
Development Center, the Associated General
to strengthen the economy.
functional design opens itself to the unique
Contractors of Alaska, the Minority Business
beauties of Anchorage's natural setting with
Development Center and the UAA College of
MAJOR ANCHORAGE
breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains.
Business and Public Policy.
EMPLOYERS
The convention center opened in 2008 with
More recently, a dozen or more business and
Those on this list have their headquarters or
a public celebration, and the party has contin-
economic development groups statewide have
largest work site in Anchorage.
ued for thousands of visitors: Since its open-
partnered to bolster innovation and entrepre-
Alaska Airlines.....................www.alaskaair.com
ing, the Dena'ina Center has hosted more than
neurship with Alaska Startup Week, an annual
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
1.5 million guests. In 2015 alone there were
10-day event in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau
(ANTHC) .................................www.anthc.org
852 meetings and conventions that brought in
and Sitka, part of the larger joint effort Inno-
Alaska Regional Hospital
$94.1 million, though leisure's total estimated
vate Alaska (2.0). Go to alaska.startupweek.co
www.alaskaregional.com...................................www.alaskaregional.com
economic impact totted up to $367 million,
(".co" is correct) for an overview.
with 216,159 actual convention center attend-
Alaska USA Federal Credit Union
In addition, on Thursdays the Loussac
ees at the Dena'ina.
www.alaskausa.org............................................. www.alaskausa.org
Library's Innovation Lab hosts a free two-hour
ASRC Energy Services.... www.asrcenergy.com
The center's 200,000 square feet can be
interactive, informative and varied tutorial.
BP Exploration Alaska...................www.bp.com
adapted to national conventions, trade shows,
"It's Time to Start My Own Business" (www.
expositions, conferences, seminars, meet-
Carrs/Safeway ........................ www.carrsqc.com
http://www.anchoragelibrary.organchoragelibrary.org, 907-343-2909).
ings, touring concerts and Rotary Club lun-
CH2M Hil ................................www.ch2m.com
The weekly educational program 1 Million
cheons and weddings. Events starting in fall
ConocoPhillips ......... www.conocophillips.com
Cups also gives local entrepreneurs a chance
2016 included CannaCon, which bills itself
FedEx...........................................www.fedex.com
as the world's largest cannabis marketplace
to present their startups to peers and men-
Fred Meyer ........................ www.fredmeyer.com
for products, services and ideas (Alaska has
tors, take questions and get feedback at The
GCI..................................................www.gci.com
legalized medical and recreational marijuana);
Boardroom, second floor, 601 W. Fifth Ave.
NANA Management Services
Battlezone URSA, which focuses on tabletop
http://www.1millioncups.com(www.1millioncups.com).
www.nmsusa.com...............................................www.nmsusa.com
miniature wargaming, tournaments and paint-
Providence Health & Services
ing; the Adventure Travel World Summit; the
BUSINESS CLIMATE
............................. http://alaska.providence.org
Alaska Snow Symposium; the Mayor's Charity
Anchorage has an enterprising business cli-
Ball; and the Anchorage Boat Show.
Southcentral Foundation
mate with a talented workforce and an excep-
www.southcentralfoundation.com...................www.southcentralfoundation.com
Stop by and see the Dena'ina Center, or visit
tional quality of life. The Anchorage Economic
www.walmartstores.comWalmart/Sam's Club.. www.walmartstores.com
online at www.anchorage.net.
Development Corp. (www.aedcweb.com) is the
-- Source: Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce
area's leading organization for job attraction,
Development, Research and Analysis Section 8
work in Alaska, take advantage of the Alaska
Job Center Network at www.jobs.state.ak.us.
SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Being an entrepreneur is a distinction thou-
sands of people in Anchorage share, and there
are several organizations to help ensure suc-
cessful business start-ups and operations. The
Alaska Small Business Development Center
http://www.aksbdc.org(www.aksbdc.org) has an office in Anchorage
and an informative website with links geared
toward operating a successful business. The
YWCA (www.ywcaak.org) operates a wom-
en's finances program, which was designated
by the U.S. Small Business Administration
as Alaska's only women's business center.
The program offers courses and resources
GERMAN
for women and men as they start and expand
ROB
businesses in Alaska.
BY
The Alaska Procurement Technical Assis-
tance Center (www. ptacalaska.org), part of
PROVIDED
a program created by the U.S. Department
of Defense, works to increase private-sector
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 231

Housing &
Real Estate
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN TINESE TREADWELL
O
ANCHORAGE AG
nce you decide to move to Anchorage, the next big deci-
Anchorage had 104,980 occupied housing units in 2014, the latest
09-55863
sions are where in the area to put down roots and whether
count by the U.S. Census Bureau's American
ALASKA 0Comm
FIREPLACE0un
& 0ity Survey.
ACCESSORIES 0Of
INC.
to rent or buy. Anchorage has one of the lowest vacancy
those, 60 percent were single-family homes. Apart
PU 0ment
FROM 0s a
MA 0n1T0d
-SU 0con
W/O 0dos
CHG
GO 10/3/16
rates in the state -- 3.8 percent in 2016 -- making housing tight and
expensive, but there are still opportunities depending on your needs,
household size and income. Housing costs in Anchorage can be high,
"Blaze King, The most
but so are wages.
ef cient wood stoves
The average price in 2016 for a house in Anchorage was $365,375
in the WORLD!"
($553,708 for new construction), but if you're willing to live outside the
city and commute, you can bring down the price considerably (an aver-
Wasilla � Mile 50.2 West Parks � 15892-7131
age of $278,025 for an existing home, $316,479 for new construction)
and get a much larger lot. Anchorage has a high rate of renters compared
Palmer � Key Bank Plaza � 15746-4395
with the rest of the country, with a younger and more mobile population
mailto:warmth@alaskafireplace.comemail: warmth@alaska replace.com
that finds renting a better option than buying. Average monthly rent for
a single-family three-bedroom home was $2,083 in Anchorage, and a
http://www.alaskafireplace.comwww.alaska replace.com
two-bedroom apartment averaged $1,337.
"Dan The Fireplace Man!"
32 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Housing 4& 3Real Estate
made up 28 percent, and duplexes and mobile
Make sure your Realtor is working exclusively
Eagle River, but large single-family homes
homes made up the rest. Fifty-nine percent of
for you as your buyer's agent.
are the norm, and many have fantastic views;
all housing units were owner-occupied, and
they also tend to be less expensive than their
41 percent were rented.
SOUTHERN COMMUTE
Anchorage counterparts.
Increasing numbers of new homes are being
Many people find the 25 parks in the area
BUYING A HOME
built south of Anchorage off the Seward High-
conducive to year-round recreation and
Buying a home is an investment in your
way along Cook Inlet's Turnagain Arm. In and
wildlife viewing. The largest of these is the
future. Anchorage housing prices remained
around Indian, Bird Creek and Girdwood,
half-million-acre Chugach State Park bor-
stable during the national recession when
upscale neighborhoods are sprouting up for
dering the eastern boundaries of Anchor-
other regions of the country experienced a
people who don't mind the drive and want to
age, including Eagle River, which provides
foreclosure crisis, though they have risen
live south of the city.
memorable hiking opportunities a short
gradually in the past few years. There are sev-
drive from town.
eral recently completed subdivisions in and
EAGLE RIVER
Stunning views, crisp mountain air and
near Anchorage if you are looking for a new
Ten miles north of downtown Anchorage,
less densely populated neighborhoods make
home and plenty of existing homes on the
just off the Glenn Highway, you'll find Eagle
market, although they tend to move quickly.
River. Typical neighborhoods near downtown
the Eagle River area the choice for many
There are also fixer-uppers in the mix if you
Eagle River offer single-family homes on lots
homebuyers and business owners. An active
want to save money and do some of the work
ranging from one-third to a half acre. Head
Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce
yourself.
farther away from the urban center and the
promotes the growing business community.
Hundreds of properties are listed on the
lots get bigger, with many larger than an acre.
The Anchorage School District has a dozen
Alaska Multiple Listing Service website
Outlying Eagle River are the residential
K-12 schools in the area, including two high
http://www.alaskarealestate.com(www.alaskarealestate.com). Many local Real-
communities of Hiland Mountain, Eagle River
schools. Post-secondary institutions have
tors and homebuilders have websites as well,
Valley, Chugiak, Birchwood, Mirror Lake and
local campuses as well. Several medical clinics
and you can also find free real estate maga-
Peters Creek, where homes and yards tend to
and private practitioners in many disciplines,
zines at retailers and restaurants throughout
be significantly larger still, wooded and more
including dental and optical providers, are
Anchorage.
secluded.
available to residents, and veterinarians pro-
Find a house that suits your family's needs,
Zero-lot-line homes, townhouses and con-
vide care for the thousands of pets and hun-
personality, financial situation and goals.
dos are becoming increasingly available in
dreds of horses in the area.
GERMAN
ROB
BY
PROVIDED
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 233

ANCHORAGE RELO
09-55713
CONRAD-HOUSTON INSURANCE
Welcome to Anchorage1PU W/O CHG
JB 7/6/16
�ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/JUSTIN
HORROCKS
HOME LOAN APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Photo ID, such as a driver's license or
VA or military programs
passport
DD 214, if a veteran
Social Security numbers
Form 22, if National Guard
DD 1747 � Off-Base Housing
Residence addresses for the past two years
Certificate of Eligibility, if active duty
Names and addresses of your employers
over the past two years
Self-employed individuals
Your current gross monthly salary
Personal tax returns for the past three years
Recent statements with names, addresses,
Current income statement
account numbers and balances on all
Balance sheet
checking, savings, investment, pension
and retirement accounts
All Borrowers
Explanation of any irregularities on your
Recent statements with names, addresses,
credit report
account numbers, balances and monthly
payments on all open loans and credit cards
Addresses and loan information for all real
estate owned
Estimated value of furniture and personal
property
W-2s for the past two years and current
paycheck stubs
Copies of all court decrees affecting finan-
cial status, e.g., divorce decrees, child sup-
port documents, etc.
Verification of any child support payments
34 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE GUIDE
09-55712
DEBENHAM PROPERTIES
Housing 4& 3Re
JB 3al E
8/29/16 3s
REV 3tate
GO 10/3/16
ANCHORAGE
What can you expect to pay
landscaped open-floor-plan wood-frame
HOUSING MARKET
for a home?
house with 2,142 square feet, three bedrooms,
Once you decide to buy a home, your next
Although 40 percent of the population of the
a 976-square-foot garage, a jetted tub in the
choice involves where to live, and Anchor-
state lives in Anchorage, the city lags in other
master bath, ceiling fans, a deck and patio
age and nearby communities offer options for
areas in new construction, creating a competi-
and RV parking on the Lower Hillside in the
every lifestyle and budget. They include:
tive market for homebuyers, especially while
south part of town.
� Family-friendly, eclectic and established
mortgage interest rates remain low.
At the high-end, $800,500 would get you
neighborhoods
The average sales price for an Anchorage
a new 3,089-square foot contemporary two-
� Gated communities
single-family home was $365,375 in 2016, a
story zero-lot-line home on a 7,274-square-
� Master-planned communities (ranging to
little higher than the previous year's $360,965,
foot lot with three bedrooms; three-and-a-half
more than $2 million for the most exclusive)
according to the Alaska Department of Labor
baths, a two-car garage and a carport; gourmet
� Suburban living with nearby air strips and
and Workforce Development, Research and
kitchen with granite countertops, hardwood
hangars, stables and horse trails, water
Analysis Section. The average sale price for a
floors, a main floor master suite, and access to
access and boat docks
home in or near Eagle River was a little less
a private pitch and put golf course in a gated
� Resort-style living
than that, $326,499, www.bestplaces.net cal-
community.
� Near-town bungalows
culates, but if you're willing to commute up to
Financing
� Senior living communities
45 miles from the Mat-Su Valley, the average
your home
� High-rise, mid-rise and apartment living
home price drops to $272,500, and that often
The Anchorage area avoided the burst hous-
� Neighborhoods/communities with parks,
will get you an acre or more. The most com-
ing bubble by keeping subprime lending at
golf courses, swimming pools, fitness
mon home size is three bedrooms.
bay and by borrowers using state programs
and recreation facilities, lakes, fishing,
In September 2016, 244 single-family
such as the Alaska Housing Finance Corp.
extensive hike and bike trails, waterfront
homes were on the market in Anchorage in
to fund their home loans. Despite the lack of
homes, heavily wooded communities and
the $300,000 to $400,000 range, according
mass foreclosures and plummeting home val-
tree-lined streets
to the Alaska Multiple Listing Service. Most
ues, Anchorage homebuyers are still subject to
The local housing market is one of the health-
had three or four bedrooms and 2� baths and
new federal and national banking legislation,
iest in the country. You will find in Anchorage
averaged 1,400 to 2,000 square feet.
regulations and requirements to finance a new
a robust market and heavy competition for
On the moderate end, $325,000
home. To finance a home in Anchorage, expect
homes in the $275,000 to $360,000 price range.
would buy a secluded 1970 two-story
to have a minimum credit score of 650.
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 235

Welcome to Anchorage
�ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/NINA
SHANNON
The Alaska Housing Finance Corp. is home-
become less available in recent years, what
� How much advance notice must you give
buyer-friendly and has loan programs avail-
with a vacancy rate in 2016 of only 3.8 percent,
before moving out?
able for most qualifying individuals, including
but renting remains a more affordable option
� Are there security deposit refund
second- or third-time borrowers. For more
than buying for a lot of people.
restrictions?
information about this state housing agency,
Average rent in 2016 for a three-bedroom,
� What is the owner's obligation for repairs
visit www.ahfc.us.
single-family home was $2,083, and $1,337 for
and maintenance?
a two-bedroom apartment, according to the
� Who will take care of yard duty, snow
CREDIT REPORT
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce
removal and cleanup?
When you apply for a home loan the mort-
Development. Utility costs are elevated too,
� Are there stipulations regarding subleas-
gage company will order a credit report. You
and many landlords do not include utilities in
ing, pets or the number of people allowed
can get a free report to find out in advance
the rent. Most homes, condos and apartments
in the unit?
what your credit report says about your
in Anchorage are heated with natural gas. As
� Which utilities and services will the land-
finances.
with many utilities, the state regulates the
lord pay?
To order your free annual report from one
price of natural gas used for heating, though
� Ask the manager to write and initial all
or all three of the national consumer report-
its cost can change dramatically. Costs rise
changes and additions to the lease before
http://www.annualcreditreport.coming companies, visit www.annualcreditreport.
considerably in the winter, of course, as tem-
you sign it, and be sure to keep a copy.
http://www.annualcreditreport.comcom, or write Central Source LLC, P.O. Box
peratures drop.
After you sign a lease or rental agreement,
105283, Atlanta, GA 30348-5283.
Refundable pet deposits are standard, and
you should:
For more information on credit reports, visit
can be high, ranging from $100 to $400. Some
� Be sure you know who will manage your
http://www.ftc.gov/creditwww.ftc.gov/credit.
landlords charge a nonrefundable pet fee or
rental, where the rent is to be sent and who
a surcharge on the rent to cover the cost of
to call for repairs and maintenance.
RENTING
a pet.
� Make a checklist and take photos of the
Renting is a way to learn more about Anchor-
condition of the rental unit and any fur-
age and determine where you might eventually
Rental tips
nishings when you move in. Sign it, have
decide to purchase a home, although new resi-
There are a few things you will want to know
the apartment manager sign it and keep a
dents often are unprepared for the high cost of
before signing a lease -- be sure to check the
dated copy. This will be important when
Anchorage housing. Rentals in the city have
following:
you move out.
36 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE GDE
09-55729
GIANT DON'S FLOORING AMERICA
Housing 4& 3Real Est
PU 3ate
W/O CHG
DHD 7/28/16 REV: DHD 8/17/16
YOUR HOME 101
The Alaska Craftsman Home Program has
many free classes to help homeowners, espe-
cially those new to Alaska. Anybody can sign
up. The classes in Anchorage are at 3400 Spe-
nard Road, Suite 9.
A few of the subjects are "How to Choose
a Contractor," "Plugging Into Energy Sav-
ings," "First Steps: Building Science Basics,"
"Finding and Fixing Air Leaks," "Ice Dams,"
"Energy Savings With Lighting and Appli-
ances," "Heating and Hot Water Choices,"
"Evaluating Doors and Windows," "Insulat-
ing for Savings and Comfort" and "Healthy
Indoor Air Through Ventilation."
Go to www.achpalaska.com or call
installing a state-of-the-art high-efficiency
HOUSING RESOURCES
907-258-2247 for details and to register.
Energy Star-rated heating system.
Alaska Association of Realtors
See an overview video from the National
COLD OUT, HEAT IN:
www.alaskarealtors.com.................................... www.alaskarealtors.com
MAKING IT HAPPEN
Association for State Community Services: "A
Alaska Craftsman Home Program6.....................
IN YOUR HOME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwxzrvg4td4Tale of Grandma's House," at www.youtube.
.........................................www.achpalaska.com
Alaskans fixated on keeping their houses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwxzrvg4td4com/watch?v=fwXZrvg4Td4. Changes have to
Alaska Housing Finance Corp.
warm as cheaply as possible during the winter
be thought through and balanced for a home's
www.ahfc.us........................................................ www.ahfc.us
have lots of help available, including the state-
living environment to work.
Alaska Multiple Listing Service
run Alaska Housing Finance Corp., the Alaska
An energy audit is a good start. A certi-
www.alaskarealestate.com.................................www.alaskarealestate.com
Craftsman Home Program operated by a
fied home energy rater can determine where
Alaska State Home Building Association
building industry alliance to promote energy-
a home is leaking heat and cold and suggest
www.buildersofalaska.com................................www.buildersofalaska.com
efficient housing and the Cold Climate Hous-
improvements, then re-evaluate it to see how
Anchorage Apartments for Rent
ing Research Center, a nonprofit developed by
much difference the changes made. The AHFC
............... www.ApartmentFinder.com/Alaska/
the Alaska State Home Builders Association
http://www.ahfc.us/efficiency/education-and-eventswebsite at www.ahfc.us/efficiency/education-
http://www.ApartmentFinder.com/Alaska/Anchorage-ApartmentsAnchorage-Apartments
on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.
http://www.ahfc.us/efficiency/education-and-eventsand-events has a list of reliable energy raters
NeighborWorks Alaska
All offer programs, classes and services
and inspectors as well as a roster of classes,
www.nwalaska.org..............................................www.nwalaska.org
that are either free or carry a nominal charge.
course materials and conferences.
Cook Inlet Housing Authority
Since Alaskans have some of the highest costs
Other AHFC programs include home energy
www.cookinlethousing.org............................... www.cookinlethousing.org
for energy in the U.S., it makes sense to reduce
loans, reduced-interest loans for homeowners
National Association of Realtors
energy use as much as possible, whether
who want to improve their dwellings' energy
www.realtor.com.................................................www.realtor.com
it's something as simple as calking around
efficiency and, for those who meet income
Veterans Affairs
doors and window frames or as elaborate as
qualifications, no-cost weatherization.
www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans...................... www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans
WOLF
ZACHARY
SGT.
PHOTO/STAFF
FORCE
AIR
U.S.
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 237

Education &
Academics
ANCHORAGE RELO
09-55593
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF ALASKA
PU W/O CHG
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ROB GERMAN
GO 8/2/16
E0ducationisaprioritythroughoutAlaska,andAnchorage,at
almost 300,000 residents, supports a robust network of instruc-
tional opportunities. The city boasts three universities, several
private computer and business career schools, and many specialized
vocational and technical centers and training facilities. Whether you
have school-age children or you're an adult looking for professional or
personal improvement, classrooms in Anchorage cater to all needs.
The National Center for Education Statistics ranked Anchorage fourth
nationwide for what it spent per student -- $15,391 -- in Fiscal Year
2013-14, the most recent year for which figures were available.
Anchorage achieved a preliminary high school graduation rate of
80.2 percent for 2014-15; the statewide rate a year earlier was 71.2 percent.
The Anchorage School District emphasizes regular daily attendance by
students to reach its goal of a 90 percent graduation rate.
38 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Education 4& 3Academics
ANCHORAGE
Academy, 6-12; PAIDEIA Cooperative
(K-6), Chinook Elementary (K-6), Chugach
SCHOOL DISTRICT
School, K-12; Rilke Schule German School of
Optional (K-6), Eagle River Elementary (K-6),
5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd.
Arts & Sciences, K-8; STrEaM Academy, 6-8;
Polaris (K-12) and Susitna Elementary (K-5).
Anchorage, AK 99504.................. 907-742-4000
and Winterberry, K-8.
The highly gifted program challenges the
http://www.asdk12.orgwww.asdk12.org
Central Middle School of Science, grades
intellectually or academically gifted through
In 2016, the Anchorage School District had
7-8, is for students and parents who believe in
enrichment (grades 2-6), individualized accel-
an enrollment of 48,213 students served by
a rigorous academic program that emphasizes
eration (at Rogers Park Elementary School),
more than 130 outlets, from traditional public
math and hands-on science.
middle school and the mentor program. Indi-
schools grades K through 12 to alternative and
World language immersion programs
vidualized and accelerated classes are offered
charter schools and programs. Many use state-
instruct with a bilingual format:
at Romig Middle School and West High. The
of-the-art technology.
� Spanish at Chugiak Elementary, Mirror
focus is on providing individualized services.
Here's the breakdown:
Lake Middle and Chugiak High, and at
IGNITE, an enrichment program for gifted
Preschool sites................................................... 13
Government Hill Elementary, Romig
students (2-6) is available districtwide.
Elementary ........................................................ 59
Middle and West High schools
Title VII Indian Education Program staff
Middle................................................................ 11
� Russian at Turnagain Elementary, Romig
across the district offer academic help, coun-
High...................................................................... 9
Middle and West High schools
seling and cultural enrichment for Alaska
Alternative programs and schools ................. 52
� Japanese at Sand Lake Elementary, Mears
Native and American Indian students.
Charter............................................................... 10
Middle and Dimond High schools
Multisensory Instruction is available at Bax-
� German at Rilke Schule, a K-8 charter school
ter Elementary (K-6), Orion Elementary (K-6),
ASD students frequently score above the
� Foreign Language in the Elementary
Rabbit Creek Elementary (K-6) and Hanshew
national averages on standardized tests. The
School (FLES) includes a language and
Middle (7-8).
district is diverse, reflecting the nature of
culture class one or two times each week:
The Specialized Academic Vocational Edu-
the community, with 99 languages spoken
� Chinese -- Scenic Park Elementary School
cation (SAVE) program is for students who
in students' homes and 1 in 5 coming from
� Spanish -- Aquarian Charter School and
are at risk of dropping out and/or have fallen
homes where English is not the first language;
Polaris K-12
behind in credits.
the most common, in descending order, are
� Russian -- Winterberry Charter School
The Anchorage Vocational Academic Insti-
Spanish, Hmong, Samoan, Filipino, Yup'ik,
� Yup'ik -- Alaska Native Cultural Charter
tute of Learning (AVAIL) program emphasizes
Lao, Inupiaq, Nuer, Korean and Russian. At
School
pre-employment skills and obtaining a high
56 percent, non-white students compose more
King Career Center includes the Anchorage
school diploma for students who have dropped
than half the student population, and a 2013
Construction Academy and offers vocational
out of traditional school.
University of Alaska study determined that
and technical training for high school students
Benny Benson/SEARCH for middle and
Anchorage high schools are the most diverse
in 26 occupations.
high school students emphasizes strict disci-
in the nation. That diversity continues in the
The Montessori approach is used at Denali
pline and attendance for students with a part-
number of specialized programs in a variety
Montessori School and Tudor Elementary.
time job or attending the King Career Center.
of educational styles, although a lottery sys-
Open optional programs teach in a self-
School-Within-a-School, or SWS, at East
tem is used for programs with more interest
directed, informal atmosphere through coop-
High School emphasizes each student's respon-
than open seats. Parents may apply for waiv-
erative group learning, hands-on activities and
sibility to develop curiosity, self-reliance and
ers to place their children in any ASD school
traditional classwork at Willard L. Bowman
productivity.
outside their neighborhood boundary, but
whether they are accepted will depend on
available space.
In terms of enrollment, ASD is one of the
100 largest school districts in the nation. Par-
ents and concerned residents regularly voice
their views in district decisions.
ASD specialized programs
ABC schools, sometimes called "back-to-
basics" programs, focus on a structured cur-
riculum, character development, discipline
and regular homework. These schools include
Birchwood K-6, Northern Lights K-8 and
Northwood K-6.
Ten charter schools offer alternative teach-
ing methods and more educator indepen-
dence than regular public schools: Alaska
Native Cultural Charter School, Pre-K-8;
Aquarian, K-6; Eagle Academy, K-6; Family
Partnership, K-12; Frontier, K-12; Highland
�ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ALVAREZ
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 239

ANCHORAGE AG
09-55695
PACIFIC NORTHERN ACADEMY
E-MAILED AD FILE
Welcome to Anchorage
EP 09/30/16
� The World Discovery Seminar at Chugiak
uses a Socratic-based learning technique
that focuses on classical historical and lit-
erary materials instead of textbooks.
� East has two: Elitnaurvik for Alaska Native
students and a School-Within-a-School
program.
� The Seminar School at Service is founded
on the principles of Socratic questioning
and the examination of great works of
writing.
� West has two: School Through the Arts
and the International Baccalaureate.
Recognizing the potential offered by its
diverse student body, ASD's Newcomers' Cen-
ter uses certified bilingual teachers, tutors and
counselors to acquaint students who speak no
English with the language and social skills
they need to advance and succeed.
ASD iSchool is an online program that pro-
vides high school students with opportunities
to earn credit through online course work.
Dimond, Eagle River and South high schools
have Engineering Academies for prospective
engineers.
ANCHORAGE RELO GUIDE
09-55693
The Biomedical Academy at Service High
GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
School and Medical Academy at Bartlett
EMAILED IMAGE FILE
High School prepare students for health care
EP 09/23/16
careers.
Service High's Leadership Academy is
centered on the Navy JROTC program and
focuses on academic excellence, community
service and leadership training.
The International Baccalaureate, a demand-
ing, international K-12 approach building
global perspectives and intercultural under-
standing, is available at Romig Middle School
and West High School.
Special Education Services districtwide are
for students with disabilities who need spe-
cially designed instruction.
The Alaska State School for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing is tailored for students
who wish to take advantage of its unique
curriculum.
Crossroads accommodates pregnant and
parenting students.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
According to Private School Review,
3,055 students in grades K through 12 attend
21 private schools throughout the area. Addi-
tionally, many private schools offer specialties
such as college prep and language immersion
programs.
Eight schools constitute the Alaska Associa-
tion of Independent Schools: Anchor Lutheran
School, Anchorage Montessori School,
40 2� 0Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE GDE
09-55584
FRONTIER CHARTER SCHOOL
Education 4& 3Academ
PU 3ic
W/O 3s
CHG
JB 6/4/16
Anchorage Waldorf School, Holy Rosary
Academy, Lumen Christi Jr./Sr. High School,
Pacific Northern Academy, Grace Christian
School and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School.
For detailed information about the schools, go
to www.akais.org.
Anchorage Christian Schools, with more
than 600 students, is among the largest private
schools in the area. Find more information at
http://www.acsedu.orgwww.acsedu.org.
Other private faith-centered schools include
Eagle River Christian School (www.eagle
http://www.eagleriverchristianschool.orgriverchristianschool), Faith Evangelical
Lutheran School (www.faithalaska.com),
Heritage Christian School, North Anchorage
Christian Academy (www.northanchorage.
http://www.northanchorage.com/christian-schoolcom/christian-school), St. John's Orthodox
Christian School (www.stjohnalaska.org),
True Vine Christian (www.tvcc.org) and
World Harvest Christian School.
Search for specific school information at
the National Center for Education Statis-
http://www.nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearchtics website: www.nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/
http://www.nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearchprivateschoolsearch.
HOMESCHOOLING
Though not as prevalent in Anchorage as in
more remote rural areas of Alaska, hundreds
of parents here choose to homeschool their
children. Two charter schools in the Anchor-
age School District, Family Partnership and
Frontier, focus on support of homeschool-
ing. Family Partnership offers a customized-
to-each-student flexible mix of home study,
online courses, correspondence, small classes,
private lessons and college classes. Frontier
supports full-time homeschooling families
with assistance in developing individual learn-
ing plans, evaluating learning styles, match-
ing students with appropriate curricula and
schoolwide events.
The Yukon-Koyukuk School District offers
an Anchorage correspondence homeschool
extension. Call 907-644-8590 to contact the
Anchorage office for more information or go
to www.yksd.com/domain/39.
POSTSECONDARY
Alaska Pacific University
4101 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508.................. 907-564-8210
http://www.alaskapacific.eduwww.alaskapacific.edu
GERMAN
This private college affiliated with the Meth-
ROB
odist Church emphasizes active learning in its
BY
liberal arts and professional programs. With
a small student body, APU attracts self-moti-
PROVIDED
vated, adventure-seeking students. Academic
disciplines include business administration,
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 241

Welcome to Anchorage
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED
BY
ROB
GERMAN
counseling psychology and human services,
College of Business & Public Policy, the Col-
track and field, gymnastics, hockey and ski-
education, marine and environmental sci-
lege of Education, the College of Health, the
ing teams.
ences, liberal studies, creative and profes-
School of Nursing, the College of Engineering,
A pre-eminent competitive program at UAA
sional writing, and outdoor and sustainability
the Community & Technical College and the
is the Seawolf Debate Team, the only intercol-
studies.
University Honors College.
legiate forensics program in Alaska. The team
The university also offers campus under-
Academic programs are plentiful and include
competes at the Worlds Debating Champion-
graduate studies and an early honors program
undergraduate certificates; associate, bach-
ships, and in 2016 ranked No. 9 globally and
for high school seniors with distinguished aca-
elor's and master's degrees; doctoral programs
No. 2 in the U.S.
demic records.
in collaboration with UA Fairbanks; occu-
For adults balancing family and work
pational endorsements; post-baccalaureate
Charter College
responsibilities, APU offers a degree-comple-
certificates; and graduate and post-degree
2221 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 120
tion program in accounting, business, health
certificates. UAA has satellites in Homer, Sol-
Anchorage, AK 99508.................. 907-277-1000
or human services. The Rural Alaska Native
dotna, Seward, Valdez, Glennallen, Cordova,
http://www.chartercollege.edu/locations/anchorage-akwww.chartercollege.edu/locations/
Adult distance-education program allows stu-
Kodiak, Chugiak-Eagle River and Palmer and
http://www.chartercollege.edu/locations/anchorage-akanchorage-ak
dents to complete their degrees while working
at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
This private, independent, for-profit institu-
and living in their hometowns. Graduate pro-
UAA strives to provide academic programs
tion of higher education offers an alternative
grams also offer degrees in the arts, business
to match what workers and industries in the
for both young and mature students seeking
administration, health services administra-
state need, for example, associate and bach-
to better their social and economic conditions.
tion, strategic leadership, information and
elor's programs in construction management
Charter offers associate and bachelor's degrees
communication technology, environmental
as well as certificate programs in health care,
and an expanded nursing program to address
science, counseling psychology, education,
business, criminal justice, construction man-
a shortage of registered nurses.
and outdoor and environmental education.
agement, hospitality, paralegal studies, the
Specialized fields are addressed by numer-
In addition, there are graduate certificate
trades, vocational training and information
ous centers and institutes that study envi-
programs in entrepreneurship and invest-
technology. Dedicated students can earn a
ronmental and natural resources, alcohol
ments, and a doctoral degree in counseling
bachelor's degree in 30 months.
and addictions, psychological services, cir-
psychology.
cumpolar health, rural health, biomedicine
Wayland Baptist University
University of Alaska
(the WWAMI School of Medical Education),
7801 E. 32nd Ave.
Anchorage
human development, social and economic
Anchorage, AK 99504.................. 907-333-2277
3211 Providence Drive
topics, economic education, economic and
http://www.wbu.edu/akwww.wbu.edu/ak
Anchorage, AK 99508.................. 907-786-1800
small business development, logistics and
Since this private college is designed for
http://www.uaa.alaska.eduwww.uaa.alaska.edu
supply chain integration, justice, community
working adults, most classes meet in the eve-
At the largest university in the state with
engagement and learning, faculty excellence,
nings and weekends. Undergraduate majors
just under 17,000 students on its main cam-
education policy and Chinese culture.
include Christian ministry, business admin-
pus in Anchorage, UAA's colleges and schools
Athletic programs include men's and wom-
istration and science with a focus on occupa-
include the College of Arts & Sciences, the
en's basketball, volleyball, cross-country,
tional education or interdisciplinary studies.
42 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Education 4& 3Academics
The master's programs offered are elemen-
unable to hold a book or read standard print
than 1.1 million volumes and more than
tary and secondary education, counseling,
with talking books and Braille service. Loaned
40,000 videos and films, including those
history, English, management and business
books and magazines, available with special
held by the Alaska Moving Image Preserva-
administration, and two programs available
playback equipment, are mailed postage-free
tion Association. Other resources include the
online only: Master of Divinity and public
to borrowers.
Alaska Collection, the Alaska Medical Library
administration.
SLED, the Statewide Library Electronic
and an archive of records documenting the
Doorway, www.sled.alaska.edu, was developed
social, political, cultural and economic devel-
Anchorage
by the Alaska State Library and University of
opment of Alaska.
Construction Academies
Alaska libraries as a public service collection
The library is also a Cooperating Collec-
8005 Schoon St.
of useful internet links and resources, from
tion of the Foundation Center, New York, and
Anchorage, AK 99518.................. 907-222-0999
learning a new language to repairing small
a select depository for publications from the
http://www.alaskaca.orgwww.alaskaca.org
engines to tracing your ancestors, for use by
U.S. Government Printing Office. The Alaska
The academy offers free basic construction
all Alaskans.
Resource Library and Information Services,
training for adults age 18 and older. Courses
better known as ARLIS, maintains holdings
may include basic carpentry, plumbing, elec-
Anchorage
here as well.
tricity, drywall finishing, stick welding, blue-
Municipal Libraries
print reading and construction math. The
Anchorage maintains a first-rate municipal
U.S. National Park Service
coursework includes health and safety and
library system, with the Z.J. Loussac Public
605 W. Fourth Ave., Suite 105
other certifications. To make it possible for
Library as the centerpiece. For more infor-
Anchorage, AK 99501.................. 907-644-3661
trainees to continue their regular jobs while
http://www.muni.org/departments/librarymation go to www.muni.org/departments/
http://www.alaskacenters.govwww.alaskacenters.gov
learning skills for a new career, experts offer
http://www.muni.org/departments/librarylibrary.
The Alaska Public Lands Information Cen-
hands-on courses in the evenings and Sat-
Z.J. Loussac
ter, inside the old Federal Building in down-
urdays. Class size is limited, and entry is
3600 Denali St.
town Anchorage, is a repository of information
competitive.
Anchorage, AK 99503.................. 907-343-2975
about the state's public lands, people, natural
resources and recreational opportunities.
Alaska Career College
Chugiak-Eagle River
1415 E. Tudor Road
12001 Business Blvd., Suite 176
Arctic Studies Center
Anchorage, AK 99507.................. 907-563-7575
Eagle River, AK 99577 ................. 907-343-1530
625 C St.
http://www.alaskacareercollege.eduwww.alaskacareercollege.edu
Gerrish (Girdwood)
Anchorage, AK 99501.................. 907-929-9207
Alaska Career College offers training and
250 Egloff Drive
http://www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/alaska.htmwww.mnh.si.edu/arctic/html/alaska.htm
education in tourism, aviation, business and
Girdwood, AK 99587................... 907-343-4024
The center in the Anchorage Museum is
health care careers. The administrative and
part of the Smithsonian Institution's National
Mountain View
instructional staff includes qualified profes-
Museum of Natural History and offers a
120 Bragaw St.
sionals with years of educational and practi-
wealth of information about Alaska's diverse
Anchorage, AK 99508.................. 907-343-2818
cal experience. Programs provide individual
Native cultures through exhibitions, lectures
and workshops. 8
attention and hands-on training.
Muldoon
Muldoon Town Center
Center for
1251 Muldoon Road, Suite 158
Employment Education
Anchorage, AK 99504.................. 907-343-4223
520 E. 34th Ave., Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99503.................. 907-279-8451
Anchorage School
http://www.cee-ak.netwww.cee-ak.net
District Libraries
CEE is a nonprofit tuition-based vocational
The Anchorage School District serves more
school that teaches commercial truck driver,
than 48,000 students with libraries at 84 sites.
hazardous materials and industry safety
ASD libraries contain 1.2 million items, have
courses.
84 professional librarians and coordinate and
exchange information and items with each
LIBRARIES
other; municipal, state and university libraries;
Libraries connect people all across the state
and other libraries across the state. For more
and have services for everyone. Almost every
information go to www.asdk12.org/libraries.
town has a library, as does nearly every school.
UAA/APU
Many belong to the Alaska Library Network,
Consortium Library
http://www.aklib.netwww.aklib.net, to coordinate and exchange
3211 Providence Drive
GERMAN
materials and services. The Alaska State
Anchorage, AK 99508-4614........ 907-786-1871
ROB
Library in Juneau, www.library.alaska.gov,
http://www.consortiumlibrary.orgwww.consortiumlibrary.org
BY
serves all libraries and the public with its col-
The University of Alaska Anchorage and
lections, catalog and strong internet presence.
Alaska Pacific University share the Consor-
PROVIDED
Its many services include the Talking Book
tium Library, an architectural accomplish-
Center, a free program that provides Alaskans
ment and an intellectual treasure with more
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 243

Health Care
�ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES
ood health and regular visits to health care providers allow
contacts throughout the country that could include colleagues, class-
you to better enjoy your work, travel and leisure time, and
mates or conference attendees. Hospitals also offer referral services.
G0Anchorageoffersafullrangeofhealthcareservices. 1MEDICATIONS
BRING YOUR RECORDS
If you are taking prescription drugs, ask your physician for extra medi-
Your new physician will need to know your medical history, so visit
cation to allow yourself time to find a new provider and renew prescrip-
all your health care providers a few weeks before you move. Explain that
tions. Pharmacies are plentiful in Anchorage; many are open seven days
you are moving and request copies of medical records for every member
a week.
of your household. If you have already located providers in Alaska, you
can sign a release to have the records sent directly to them.
HEALTH INSURANCE
If you have children, bring their immunization records to Alaska with
While on your way to Alaska, make sure you have access to insur-
you. No child can register for classes in the Anchorage School District
ance cards, phone numbers and claim forms. Also remember that many
without proof of immunizations, though exemptions may be granted for
health insurance plans require preferred or network providers. Contact
medical or religious reasons. The number of doses and type of vaccine
the plan administrator before leaving to find out provisions for coverage
required vary depending upon the student's age, grade and vaccination
while traveling and after you arrive.
history. Check with your health care provider for details or visit www.
http://www.epi.alaska.gov/immunizeepi.alaska.gov/immunize.
TRAVELING TIPS
For most people, moving to Alaska is a long, long journey, so a little
REFERRALS
advance planning for health care problems can pay big dividends if
Your health care providers may refer you to counterparts in your new
something goes wrong on the way. Don't forget a good first-aid kit and
community. Like most professionals, they have extensive networks of
keep it in your vehicle even after you arrive. It never hurts to be prepared.
46 5� 4Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Health Care
For a complete list of items to include in your
recognized trauma center, has a long history
systems: a cancer center; a children's hospital;
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomyfirst-aid kit, visit www.redcross.org/prepare/
in Alaska that began when the Sisters of Provi-
a heart and vascular center; maternity care;
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomylocation/home-family/get-kit/anatomy to help
dence sailed into Nome during a smallpox epi-
family medicine; diabetes and nutrition ser-
you protect yourself and your family against
demic in 1902 and opened a hospital for the
vices; orthopedic, pharmacy and rehabilitation
almost any contingency.
Gold Rush population. Drawn to Anchorage
care; outpatient mental health services; emer-
by railroad-fueled growth, in 1939 the sisters
gency care; guest housing, imaging and labo-
MEDICAL FACILITIES
began a medical mission to the ill and injured
ratory services; and surgery. The Providence
An array of medical specialists and services
at a modern two-story 52-bed hospital, Provi-
campus is constantly growing and changing,
contribute to the quality and availability of
dence Hospital, at Ninth and L streets, just
most recently with a Senior Care Center for
health care in Anchorage. Three acute-care
west of what was then a flat landing strip for
patients 55 and older that welcomes clients
hospitals, one long-term acute-care hospital,
airplanes but is now a city green space, the
on Medicare, and a new 85,782-square-foot
one military hospital and two psychiatric hos-
Park Strip. Expanding needs outgrew that
Maternity Center that includes a Mother-Baby
pitals are almost continuously expanding in
building, though, in just two decades, and in
Unit with spacious private rooms, expansion
size and scope. In addition, outpatient surgery
1962 a new, larger Providence Hospital opened
and modernization of the Newborn Intensive
centers, a host of clinics and hundreds of pri-
near Goose Lake where it remains today as
Care Unit, a Prenatal Unit for high-risk preg-
vate practice providers offer their services.
Providence Alaska Medical Center, the state's
nancies and a Labor & Delivery Unit to pro-
Anchorage is the medical hub for the state.
largest private employer with more than 4,000
vide care for mother and baby during birth.
As the local health care community adds
workers in six communities: Anchorage, the
Providence has the state's only high-risk
advanced technology and more highly trained
Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Kodiak Island,
prenatal unit with a dedicated nursing staff
personnel, the need for out-of-state treatment
Seward, Soldotna and Valdez. Its hospital in
and Alaska's only nationally recognized Level
is dwindling.
Anchorage provides comprehensive services,
III Newborn Intensive Care Unit. It has been
advanced medical equipment and treatment
a recipient of the Eisenberg Award for its
Alaska Regional Hospital
For more than 50 years Alaska Regional
has met the state's medical needs, constantly
improving its services and skills. In 1994,
Alaska Regional joined with HCA for access
to the advanced medical resources of one of
the nation's largest health care providers. The
hospital is the state's designated Shriners clinic
and holds free monthly immunization clinics
for schoolchildren. Other services include free
prostate cancer screenings, health education
seminars, community health fairs, a Medicare
clinic for seniors, and support groups for cancer
and stroke survivors. It's the only nonmilitary
hospital in the state with its own landing strip,
so Alaska Regional's LifeFlight Air Ambulance
can move critical care patients from the plane
directly into its 24-hour Emergency Depart-
ment. The hospital has an orthopedics and
spine center, cancer care, the state's first Joint
Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center,
a cardiovascular center, maternal and child
services, women's services, a wound care cen-
ter, robotic surgery and a sleep disorder test-
ing service, among its many resources. Alaska
Regional has been consistently accredited by
the Joint Commission, the leading health care
monitoring organization in the U.S., and was
presented with Qualis Health's "Excellence
in Health Care Quality" award for its dedi-
cation to preventing infections. Go to www.
GERMAN
http://www.alaskaregional.comalaskaregional.com for more.
ROB
BY
Providence Alaska
Medical Center
PROVIDED
Providence Alaska Medical Center, the
state's largest hospital and a nationally
PHOTOGRAPHY
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 4� 047

ANCHORAGE AG
09-55689
HEALTH NORTH FAMILY MEDICINE
Welcome to Anchorage
E-MAILED AD FILE
EP 09/30/16
innovations in patient safety and quality, and
Health Consortium and Southcentral Foun-
of American hospitals. The teaching hospital
is a teaching hospital for the University of
dation, and its mission is to unite the best of
draws medical students and residents from
Washington School of Medicine. For more, go
modern medicine with the power of Alaska
around the globe. In January 2017, ANMC will
to http://alaska.providence.org.
Native traditional culture to heal body, mind
cut the ribbon for its new 202-room Patient
Housing, which will contain the state's only
Alaska Native
and spirit. The 167-bed hospital's medical spe-
Medical Center
cialties include a pediatric intensive care unit,
Ronald McDonald House for young patients.
The new building will link to the main hos-
As an acute, specialty, primary and behav-
teleradiology, perinatology, expanded day
ioral health care provider, Alaska Native
surgery and extensive primary care services.
pital by a sky bridge. Other recent expan-
Medical Center offers broad-based medi-
ANMC is also the only certified trauma cen-
sions include clinic additions to the Healthy
cal services to Alaska Natives and American
ter (Level II) in the state and the only hospi-
Communities Building, the Alaska Native
Indians living within the state. The center is
tal in the state to be given Magnet Status by
Medical Center Hybrid Radiology Operating
Alaska Native-owned and managed through a
the American Nurses Credentialing Center,
Room and a new data center for the Radiol-
partnership between the Alaska Native Tribal
an accolade earned by fewer than 7 percent
ogy Department. Pending growth includes a
Skilled Nursing Center next to the new Patient
Housing and a Children's Dental Clinic. Go to
http://www.anmc.orgwww.anmc.org for more information.
CARE FOR VETERANS
The Alaska VA Health Care System and
Regional Office offer primary, specialty and
mental health outpatient care to veterans,
who can also receive inpatient services at Joint
�
Base Elmendorf-Richardson and certain com-
ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/STEEX
munity hospitals.
The facility has an extensive homeless vet-
eran service consisting of a 50-bed domiciliary
residential rehabilitation treatment program,
veterans industries, a 24-bed compensated
48 4� 3Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Health Care
work therapy transitional residence program
COMMUNITY HEALTH
and a VA-supported housing program and
The Anchorage Neighborhood Health Cen-
outreach. The health care system is affiliated
ter, whose original handful of clinicians began
with the University of Alaska Anchorage,
serving Anchorage out of a trailer in 1974, has
the University of Washington and the Alaska
grown over the years into one of the state's larg-
Family Practice Residency Program. Learn
est, most comprehensive primary care medi-
more at www.alaska.va.gov.
cal and dental practices. The center moved to
sleek, expanded Midtown quarters in 2012. It
LONG-TERM CARE
was the state's first community health center
St. Elias Specialty Hospital is a long-term,
and is still the busiest in Alaska, serving over
MAXFIELD
acute-care hospital, the only facility of its
12,000 patients during more than 40,000 visits
kind in Alaska. The hospital, a joint ven-
in 2015. The clinic accepts all patients: insured,
ture between Providence Health Center and
uninsured, or on Medicare or Medicaid.
BridgeCare Hospitals, is Medicare certified
From its new health center, ANHC offers
and accredited by the Joint Commission and
45 exam, procedure and medical consultation
�ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/NATHAN
has 60 beds, the majority of them in private
rooms organized around three medical pods,
rooms, and state-of-the-art equipment to care
each of which can support five full-time medi-
look at other options. With one Marketplace
for extended inpatient acute care. See www.
cal provider teams; a 10-chair dental clinic; a
application, individuals can determine if they
http://www.st-eliashospital.comst-eliashospital.com for more information.
lab with X-ray and mammogram services; a
can get lower costs based on their incomes,
To learn more about assisted living homes
pharmacy; and patient education space.
compare coverage options side-by-side and
and nursing homes, contact the Office of the
enroll.
Long Term Care Ombudsman in Anchorage
HEALTH CARE
Those living in Alaska should use this web-
at www.akoltco.org, 907-334-4480 or toll free,
MARKETPLACE
site: www.healthcare.gov. Click on "Get Cov-
800-730-6393.
EXCHANGES
erage" for a prompt, then type in "Alaska" for
With passage of the Affordable Care Act,
the next steps to apply for coverage, compare
HEALTH CARE
marketplace exchanges were established to
plans and enroll. Specific plans and prices fir
ANCHORAGE 0st
AG
PROVIDERS
09-55939
help people find quality health coverage if they
became available Oct. 1, 2013, when Market-
Anchorage-area health care providers have
ALASKA EYECARE CENTERS
are uninsured or have insurance and want to
place open enrollment began.
PU FRM MAT-SU W/ CHG
private practices in disciplines and specialties
GO 10/3/16
that span the medical, dental and vision spec-
trum. Group practices, specialty, walk-in and
urgent-care clinics are dispersed throughout
Anchorage, Eagle River and Girdwood, and
all the hospitals have extended campuses that
include diagnostics, primary care and spe-
cialty clinics.
MEDEVAC SERVICES
Two local medevac companies fly to the
Lower 48 and internationally so patients can
receive medical care at their facilities of choice.
LifeMed Alaska operates through a partner-
ship between Providence Health & Services
Alaska and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp.
and flies more than 3,000 missions every year.
LifeFlight Air Ambulance, based at Alaska
Regional Hospital, can taxi its fixed-wing King
Air B200 aircraft right to the hospital door,
saving patients precious time.
MENTAL HEALTH
Two inpatient facilities offer intensive resi-
dential treatment: Alaska Psychiatric Institute
http://www.dhss.alaska.gov/dbh/pages/api/default.aspx(www.dhss.alaska.gov/dbh/pages/api/default.
http://www.dhss.alaska.gov/dbh/pages/api/default.aspxaspx) and North Star Behavioral Hospital
http://www.northstarbehavioral.com(www.northstarbehavioral.com). Many clin-
ics and agencies throughout the city help indi-
viduals and families.
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 3� 049

ANCHORAGE GUIDE
09-55685
ANCHORAGE PEDIATRIC GROUP
Welcome to Anchorage
PU W/O CHG
JB 5/4/16
Open enrollment for 2016 coverage began
Nov. 1, 2015 and ended Dec. 15, 2015, though
Jan. 31, 2016, was the last actual date to
apply for 2016 coverage before open enroll-
ment ended.
However, those who had a qualifying life
event after the deadline, such as loss of other
health coverage, a change in marital status,
or being awarded legal U.S. citizenship, could
apply later.
The open enrollment period for 2017 runs
from Nov. 1, 2016, to Dec. 15, 2016. On
Jan. 1, 2017, coverage starts for those who've
enrolled. The last day to enroll in or change
a 2017 health plan is Jan. 31, 2017, except for
those who qualify for a special enrollment
period.
Those wishing to enroll can get help walking
through the process at six places in Anchor-
age: Alaska Primary Care Association (www.
http://www.getcoveredalaska.orggetcoveredalaska.org, toll free 844-752-6725);
Alaska AIDS Assistance Association (www.
http://www.alaskanaids.orgalaskanaids.org, 907-263-2050); Provi-
dence Alaska Medical Center (http://alaska.
http://alaska.providence.orgprovidence.org, 907-562-2211); United Way
of Anchorage/Providence (www.alaska211.
http://www.alaska211.orgorg, 2-1-1 or 800-478-2221); Eastern Aleutian
Tribes Inc. (www.eatribes.org, 907-277-1440);
and Planned Parenthood of the Great North-
west and the Hawaiian Islands (www.planned
http://www.plannedparenthood.orgparenthood.org, 800-769-0045).
LIVING WITH
AND CARING FOR
PETS IN ALASKA
Having pets where there's six months of
winter means you have to consider weather
and climate when you bring pets along with
you. Dogs are favorite animals here for hiking,
hunting and mushing, but hard snow and ice
can cut up a dog's paws badly so booties are in
order for long treks in winter, and a jacket may
be too. Dogs need housing, especially those
with thin coats, and plenty of water (not snow
or ice) is essential. Fleas, ticks and heartworms
aren't big problems, although dogs can tangle
with moose, bears, beavers, porcupines and
eagles with nasty results.
Anchorage has several dog parks where you
can let your dog run -- the leash law applies
everywhere else. A dog license and up-to-date
PHOTOGRAPHY
shots are a must, and cleaning up after your
dog during walks also is a must to keep patho-
PROVIDED
gens out of the water system: The Anchorage
Waterways Council has a strong "Scoop the
BY
Poop" initiative. Cats and small dogs should
ROB
live indoors -- owls, eagles and other raptors
GERMAN
find them tasty snacks outdoors at any time of
year. Horse lovers can use the extensive trail
50 3� 2Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE AG
09-55711
FROST DENTAL
Welcome to Anchorage
E-MAILED AD FILE
EP 08/25/16
bones claim goes, the U.S. Food and Drug
bones, and with stronger mental and muscle
Administration agrees.
function.
Foods such as shitake and button mush-
So given current research, what should Alas-
rooms, alfalfa and fatty fish like salmon, tuna,
kans with their limited winter daylight do?
mackerel, herring, catfish and sardines, eggs
First, it's good to understand that the dietary
and cod liver oil are rich in vitamin D, but the
guidelines are "population wide" recommen-
skin also can make its own in the presence of
dations, says Leslie Shallcross, MS RDN LD
sunlight -- why vitamin D is called the sun-
and associate professor of extension (Univer-
shine vitamin.
sity of Alaska Fairbanks) for the Cooperative
The most recent federal dietary research on
Extension Service, which promotes the well-
vitamin D (2011) found that overall, no gen-
being of residents with, among other things,
eral deficiency existed in the U.S., and further,
information on food safety, preservation and
that claims for benefits other than for bone
nutrition. Alaska in winter has far less sun-
health, though plausible, had not been proved.
light than anywhere in the Lower 48, so more
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines vitamin D review
Alaskans are at greater risk of vitamin D
committee ended by recommending a daily
deficiency.
dose of 600 IU per day for those between 1 and
Adults should find out where they stand by
70 years old, with no more than 4,000 IU per
having their vitamin D levels checked, espe-
day for those between 9 and 71 years old.
cially in winter and especially older adults,
Research continues around the world on the
who are at greater risk from falls and frac-
sunshine vitamin, due in large part to a report
tures. Health fairs many times offer low-cost
by Dr. Michael Holick, an endocrinologist and
vitamin D screening, or medical providers
vitamin D researcher at the Boston University
can include it in routine blood work. After
School of Medicine, who presented data in
the test, it's a good idea to ask if vitamin D
2007 linking higher blood levels of vitam
ANCHORAGE 0in
GDE
supplements would be a good idea for you and
D and sun exposure with declines in the risk
09-55710
what the appropriate dosage would be to reach
of rheumatoid arthritis, heart dise
KOROPP 0as2OR0e, depres-
THODONTICS
a healthy blood level. The vitamins are not
DHD 9/27/16
sion, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, falls and broken
expensive, but you also should consider how
much vitamin D you already may be getting
from fortified foods and multi-vitamins.
Check out the recommended dietary allow-
ances for how much can be taken safely daily,
and enjoy whatever bright brief sunny days the
winter may bring.
WHAT THE CES
CAN DO FOR YOU
The Cooperative Extension Service in
Anchorage is a great place to collect informa-
ANCHORAGE GDE
tion and take classes on such questions as pest
09-55934
control (root maggots, spittlebugs), safe can-
WILLIAM R. EVANS DDS COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY
ning and preserving (how to can a moose),
DHD 9/23/16
harvesting nature's bounty (blueberries,
crowberries), and lethal wild-growing plants
(water hemlock, death camas) that should be
� Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry for patients of all ages
shunned.
� Preferred provider for most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Denali Kid Care
Most CES services are free. An invasive
plants instructor, an integrated pest man-
� Comprehensive restorative dentistry and TMJ treatment
agement technician and a nutrition educa-
� We particularly welcome and thank members of the military and law enforcement communities
tor are among the experts on hand to answer
questions.
The list of hundreds of publications and
DVDs is staggering: There are five alone for
907-694-5150 � F: 907-649-1317
living safe in Alaska, among them "Emer-
16635 Center eld Drive Ste. 205
gency Preparedness for Alaskans: Wildfires,"
Eagle River, AK 99577
"Winterizing Your Car and Camper" and
mailto:office@evansdentistry.netof ce@evansdentistry.net
"Botulism: A Deadly Food Poisoning." Most
http://www.evansdentistry.netwww.evansdentistry.net
titles, of course, are less dire and range from
52 3� 2Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE GUIDE
09-55696
FAMILY FIRST DENTISTRY
Health Car
PU W/O 4e
CHG
JB 5/4/16
beekeeping to aging in place. All are free or
available for a minimum charge.
The 2016 catalog and other CES updates are
http://www.uaf.edu/ces/pubs/catalogavailable online at www.uaf.edu/ces/pubs/
http://www.uaf.edu/ces/pubs/catalogcatalog. Quite a few of the brochures can be
printed as PDFs. Hook up with CES on social
http://www.facebook.com/alaskaextensionmedia as well -- on Facebook: www.facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/alaskaextensioncom/AlaskaExtension; on Twitter: https://
https://twitter.com/UAFExtensiontwitter.com/UAFExtension; and on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/UAFExtensionwww.youtube.com/user/UAFExtension.
The new offices of the CES in Anchorage, an
educational service of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture under the direction, in Alaska,
of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, are at
1840 Bragaw St. The office is open Wednesday
through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for
a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1 p.m.
Call 907-786-6300, or check out the website,
http://www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/anchoragewww.uaf.edu/ces/districts/anchorage.
STAYING WARM
Alaska winters beckon cross-country skiers,
snowboarders, dog mushers, ice fishers, snow-
shoe fans and all manner of enthusiasts into
their white glitter, but enjoying them -- and
surviving -- depends on staying warm, espe-
cially for children and older people.
Hypothermia claims lives every year, and
frostbite costs people their ears, their noses,
their feet, fingers and thumbs. Don't gamble
with the cold. It always wins.
Warm garments keep your body heat close
to your skin, where you need it, and head-
gear is vital since half your body's heat is lost
through your head. Your neck, armpits, sides
of your chest and the groin area are also big
heat losers. A thick hat, hood or both plus a
substantial woolly scarf or neck warmer is the
way to go.
Wind sucks body heat away from you.
A blustery wind can make 20 degrees feel like
15 below; it's called wind chill. If you're wet
or sweaty, you'll also get cold much faster,
and some wet clothes won't hold body heat.
A single layer of garments won't keep you
nearly as warm as layers so adapt your choices
to the activity: walking or skiing? Chopping
wood or quiet contemplation? And whatever
you select should keep out water and wind.
loose clothes of wool or fleece -- shirts, sweat-
If you're active, select coats and pants with
"Wet" is a conduit for cold.
ers, vests, pants -- to hold in your body heat.
zippers or vents, and open them to let warm,
Your clothes should be clean. Sweat and dirt
Lastly, an outside layer to protect everything
wet air escape. If you get too warm, open your
don't hold heat, and Gore-Tex won't keep you
under it from rain, wind or snow. It can be
coat, but be sure to take a coat with you to put
dry if it's dirty.
nylon, canvas, rubber or Gore-Tex. A thick
on when you stop moving.
Think of three basic layers, like a sandwich
coat or parka is always a good idea.
A poncho isn't a good idea in freezing Alaska
-- first, middle and outside -- every time
If you're sitting still outdoors, hunting or ice
rain or snow. Ponchos are too loose for this
you go out. Long underwear of wool or wick-
fishing, for instance, add snow pants or wear a
climate; they let body heat get away. Wear a
ing polyester, not cotton, goes on first. Even
snowmachine suit. If you'll be sitting for a long
raincoat instead. Rain pants will keep your
if they get wet, wool and polyester will keep
time, take thick blankets or a foam cushion to
legs dry, and pants with a bib that covers your
you warm. Cotton won't. Next come thick,
slow heat loss.
chest will keep you warmer.
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 3� 053

ANCHORAGE GDE
09-55686
LATOUCHE PEDIATRICS
Welcome to Anchorage
E-MAILED AD FILE
EP 09/23/16
Mittens are warmer than gloves because
your fingers cozy up to each other, and mittens
can be layered, too. If you must use your fin-
gers, wear heavily insulated gloves, and then
draw mittens over them when you're done.
Wear layers of socks, a thin layer of wick-
ing polyester next to your skin and then thick
wool or fleece socks pulled over them. Change
to dry socks when your feet get wet or sweaty.
Boots should have cleated or rough soles for
traction because smooth bottoms will send
you skidding on ice and snow. Some boots
have warm innersoles; others have sheep-
skin linings. They should be waterproof, or
sprayed with waterproofing spray once you
get them home.
Children need the same warm clothes that
adults do, and they should be taught how to
wear and care for them. Sometimes the little
ones get cold but are so involved in what they're
doing they don't tell anyone. When they run
and play, they get hot quickly, but when they
stop, they get chilled just as quickly, so teach
them layer magic: how to take off layers and
put them back on as needed. Sew their mittens
to the ends of a long string and pull the string
through the sleeves of the coat so they don't
get lost. Coats and boots that are too tight, that
the child has outgrown, won't hold heat. And
be sure to make sure others can see your child.
Winter days and evenings are dark, so select
light-colored clothes and add reflective tape.
Babies need extra care. If they're too hot,
they'll be red and fussy, but if they're too cold,
they don't shiver like adults but instead will
have cool hands and feet and turn lethargic.
If a cool baby seems to have no energy, it may
be in danger. Always use a hat or warm hood
because babies have no hair to insulate their
heads, and share your body heat by carrying
the baby close to you. Warm the car seat in the
house and cover it or the stroller with a blan-
ket to trap warm air, with an opening so fresh
air can reach the baby's face.
-- Source: Literacy Council of Alaska and Alaska Sea
Grant Col ege Program, distributed by the Cooperative
Extension Service, Anchorage 2
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY VISIT ANCHORAGE/NICOLE GEILS
54 7� Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Community 9&
Recreation
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ROB GERMAN
lthough Anchorage is a small city, it's the biggest one for 2,000
you can see diamonds and furs, mukluks and Carhartts -- a fair example
miles around. In addition to being a hub for transportation,
of how Alaskans appreciate and participate in arts, sports and recreation.
A 2business,healthcare,government,educationandfinance,it Nomatterwhatrecreationyouenjoy,youwillfinditonsomelevel
has more local options for entertainment and recreation than most cities
in Anchorage. Resources such as the Alaska Dispatch News, Anchor-
of comparable size in the Lower 48 because its remoteness means that
age Press and Visit Anchorage provide regular listings of goings-on
Alaskans create their own groups: They give themselves many opportu-
around town.
nities to enjoy or even be part of theater, live music, art shows, festivals
CELEBRATIONS AND
and sporting events. Local offerings range from curling to quilting --
ANNUAL EVENTS
and a bit of everything in between. Downtown has a strong showing
Alaska Scottish Highland Games
of art and special events every month on First Friday, and the Alaska
http://www.alaskascottish.org/gameswww.alaskascottish.org/games
Center for the Performing Arts regularly presents top Broadway shows,
Join the gathering of the clans for the hammer throw, caber toss, piping,
operas and live music. At an Anchorage Symphony Orchestra concert,
drumming, dancing, sheepdog competitions, historical re-enactments,
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 257

Welcome to Anchorage
a motorcycle show, a dog and owner look-alike
contest, the Chopped Salmon Throw-Down,
the Running with the Bears 300-Yard Fun Run
(because after 300 yards it isn't fun anymore),
the ice cream eating competition, a quilt dis-
play and auction, the Vegetable Derby and the
Odor Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest for kids
5 to 15 years old (the champion rotten sneak-
ers may be permanently enshrined in the Odor
Eaters Hall of Fumes).
Girdwood Forest Fair
http://www.girdwoodforestfair.comwww.girdwoodforestfair.com
Just 36 miles from Anchorage in the funky
resort community of Girdwood, this annual
July event ("No Dogs ~ No Politics ~ No Reli-
gion") plays host to artists, crafts and exotic
food booths as well as constant live perfor-
U.S.
mances from some of the best bands in the
AIR
state. Free admission.
FORCE
PHOTO/MASTER
Great Alaska Salmon
Bake and Fly-by
http://www.alaskaairmuseum.orgwww.alaskaairmuseum.org
SGT.
A yearly mid-July salmon bake with live
KEITH
music, a beer garden and vintage aircraft from
BROWN
across Alaska is held at the Alaska Aviation
Museum, which marked 103 years of Alaska
aviation in 2016.
pipe bands and vendors at the Palmer State
the Alaska Native arts and crafts show, jur-
Fairgrounds in late June. In some categories,
ied exhibits, fireworks, a carnival, outhouse
Great Alaska
Sportsman Show
kilts are required.
races, the Yukigassen Championships (a blend
of capture the flag, paintball and a snowshoe
http://www.auroraproductions.net/sportman.htmlwww.auroraproductions.net/sportman.html
Alaska State Fair
fight), snowshoe softball and the famous Run-
This annual four-day fishing, hunting,
http://www.alaskastatefair.orgwww.alaskastatefair.org
ning of the Reindeer.
camping and outdoor sports show, usually
The last blast of summer at the Palmer
in early April, can provide information on
Fairgrounds brings with it exhibits of world-
Anchorage International
everything anyone could need for an outdoor
famous giant vegetables and jaw-dropping
Film Festival
adventure.
flower gardens, nonstop entertainment, con-
http://www.anchoragefilmfestival.orgwww.anchoragefilmfestival.org
certs, quilt shows, farm animals and a petting
Founded in 2001, this is the only multigenre
Great Alaska Beer &
Barley Wine Festival
zoo, food, vendors, the Backhoe Rodeo, the
international film event in the state. It is held
Beard Contest, the Moose Calling & Tall Tails
in December during the winter solstice -- its
http://www.auroraproductions.net/beer-barley.htmlwww.auroraproductions.net/beer-barley.html
Competition, the Lumberjack Show and rides
motto is "Films Worth Freezing For" -- and
Alaska brewers' bounties prove themselves
and fun for the whole family.
showcases Alaska filmmakers at their best.
vast and varied every January at this celebra-
tion of all things fermented. The event, set for
Anchorage Folk Festival
Arctic Thunder Open House
Jan. 20 and 21, 2017, combines general sessions
http://www.anchoragefolkfestival.orgwww.anchoragefolkfestival.org
http://www.jber.af.milwww.jber.af.mil
and special connoisseur events for those who
This annual festival is free, runs two weeks
http://www.alaskaairshow.orgwww.alaskaairshow.org
enjoy libations.
in January and features more than 120 acts in
Every other year, you can check out this two-
singing, dancing, storytelling and more, with
day summer staple of fighter jets streaking
Greek Festival
workshops for musicians and dancers of all
across the sky, simulated assaults, parachute
http://www.akgreekfestival.comwww.akgreekfestival.com
ages and abilities.
drops and aerobatic aircraft. Look forward to
In August, this three-day annual celebra-
the next one in 2018.
tion (free parking and admission) comes alive
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
with Greek musicians, food and dancing at
http://www.furrondy.netwww.furrondy.net
Bear Paw Festival
Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
Spanning late February to early March, this
http://www.bearpawfestival.orgwww.bearpawfestival.org
along with church tours; Greek cooking dem-
80-year-old 10-day event is one of the larg-
The Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Com-
onstrations; a silent auction and raffle; plates
est winter carnivals in North America. Fur
merce presents this fun-filled annual summer
of Greek food piled high with moussaka, pas-
Rondy features a parade, snow sculptures,
festival 15 minutes from downtown Anchorage
titsio, lamb and stuffed grape leaves; and lavish
World Championship Sled Dog sprint races,
with a Grand Parade, races, food, art exhibits,
dessert tables loaded with sweets from classic
58 3� 2Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Community 4& 3Recreation
baklava to coconut ravani (Spartan-style coco-
and other participants at the festival's opening
nut cake) to loukoumades -- hot honey puffs
reception.
with cinnamon and nuts.
Make It Alaskan Festival
Holiday Markets
http://www.makeitalaskanfestival.comwww.makeitalaskanfestival.com
http://www.anchoragemarkets.comwww.anchoragemarkets.com
Since 1989 this three-day event at the Sulli-
A great way to get all your holiday shopping
van Arena in early October presents hundreds
done, Anchorage's holiday markets are held at
of booths selling Alaskan-made products and
GERMAN
several locations and times during November
crafts from honey to handmade knives to
ROB
and December. Three big ones at the Dena'ina
log homes.
BY
Center: Enjoy unusual crafts and Alaska gifts
PROVIDED
alongside holiday food and entertainment at
New Year's Eve Fire &
The Holiday Food & Gift Festival (Nov. 5 and
Ice Extravaganza
6, 2016), Christmas Arts & Crafts Emporium
http://www.anchoragedowntown.orgwww.anchoragedowntown.org
PHOTOGRAPHY
(Nov. 19 and 20, 2016) or Christmas Village
Revelry begins at 4 p.m. at Town Square with
(Dec. 17, 2016).
family entertainment, jugglers, silk acrobats,
the Garden nursery, classes and walkabouts,
a light show, music and food and later, a fire-
docent tours, the Spring Garden Conference,
Independence Day
works spectacular.
Midsummer Gala in the Garden, Garden Fair
Celebration
and a Secret Garden series of summer tours.
http://www.muni.orgwww.muni.org
Three Barons
Celebrate the Fourth of July all day long at
Renaissance Fair
Alaska Railroad
the Delaney Park Strip starting with a pan-
http://www.3barons.orgwww.3barons.org
http://www.alaskarailroad.comwww.alaskarailroad.com
cake breakfast followed by a parade, musical
Artists and crafters show off their skills and
The state's only rail system offers special
entertainment, games, food and of course,
talents at Tozier Track off Tudor Road the first
annual theme rides including the Fair Train,
fireworks to light up the night.
two weekends in June. Period dress, though
the Blues Train, the Who Let the Girls Out
optional, is abundant, and entertainment is
Train, the Great Alaska Beer Train, the Hal-
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
nonstop.
loween Train, the Easter Train -- meet the
http://www.iditarod.comwww.iditarod.com
Easter Bunny! -- the Nordic Ski Train to back-
View the ceremonial start in Anchorage
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
country north of Talkeetna and the Hoo Doo
of this world-renowned 1,150-mile sled-dog
Anchorage's unique culture and environ-
Choo Choo. And get a shot at catching the
race to downtown Nome on the first Saturday
ment offers families much to see and do.
northern lights on the Aurora Winter Train to
in March.
Alaska Botanical Garden
Fairbanks on winter weekends.
Indigenous World
http://www.alaskabg.orgwww.alaskabg.org
Alaska Zoo
Film Festival
Visit arctic horticulture and native plants
http://www.alaskazoo.orgwww.alaskazoo.org
http://www.alaskanative.netwww.alaskanative.net
throughout the summer at this 110-acre
For more than 40 years, the Alaska Zoo has
This two-day event, held at the Alaska
spruce and birch woodland and the glories of
given refuge to orphaned, injured and captive-
Native Heritage Center in January or Febru-
1,100 hardy perennials and 150 native plant
born animals. Watch the polar bears splash,
ary, screens indigenous films from around the
species in a formal herb garden, alpine rock
or you can bark with the harbor seals, enjoy
world. See shorts, documentaries, animated
gardens, a wildflower walk, peonies galore, a
a cup of coffee at the snack bar or check out
and feature films. Meet the filmmakers, actors
new Anchorage Heritage Garden, the Shop in
one of the many tours and special events on
the premises.
Farmers Markets
http://www.anchoragefarmersmarket.orgwww.anchoragefarmersmarket.org
http://www.anchoragemarkets.comwww.anchoragemarkets.com
http://www.anchoragelandtrust.org/mountain-view-farmers-marketwww.anchoragelandtrust.org/mountain-
http://www.anchoragelandtrust.org/mountain-view-farmers-marketview-farmers-market
http://www.muldoonfarmersmarket.orgwww.muldoonfarmersmarket.org
http://www.safm.orgwww.safm.org
http://www.spenardfarmersmarket.orgwww.spenardfarmersmarket.org
http://www.thecentermarket.comwww.thecentermarket.com
Shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and
GERMAN
flowers at open-air markets in downtown,
ROB
south of downtown on 15th Street, Mountain
BY
View, Muldoon, inside the Sears Mall, Spenard
and South Anchorage. Many booths also sell
PROVIDED
artwork, food, artisanal breads, crafts and
other wares, and there's usually live music
PHOTOGRAPHY
throughout the summer and early fall.
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 259

Welcome to Anchorage
ANCHORAGE MUSEUM
The Anchorage Museum's new $24 million,
25,000-square-foot expansion atop the Imagi-
narium on the northeast side of the building
proceeded apace in 2016 with a grand open-
ing set for September 2017 that will quintuple
its exhibition space and reimagine the popular
Alaska Gallery. In the recent past, the museum
has been able to exhibit only about 40 of its
500-plus paintings, sculptures and multimedia
artworks at any one time, but its new Rasmuson
Wing will be able to display some 200 of them
at once, with additional capacity for changing
exhibits.The museum's holdings total more than
26,000 objects, plus 575,000 historical photo-
graphs, 14,000 publications and 800 maps.
This is a far cry from its situation in 1968, the
year the original one-story museum opened with
hope, potential and 60 borrowed Alaska paint-
PHOTOGRAPHY
ings and 2,500 historic and ethnographic items
on loan from the historical society. In 1986, the
flourishing enterprise added 140,000 square
PROVIDED
feet comprising an Alaska Gallery, a Children's
Gallery, permanent art galleries and an audito-
BY
ROB
rium, the soaring Atrium and a parking garage.
GERMAN
Fast forward 23 years and another growth
spurt: a $106 million redesign and rebuild that
added 80,000 square feet and a sleek new glass
fa�ade in 2009, and the Smithsonian Arctic
Imaginarium
� Alaska Native Medical Center
Studies Center, the Imaginarium Discovery Cen-
Discovery Center
Craft Shop
ter and the Thomas Planetarium the next year.
https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/about-us/museum-spaces/imaginarium-discovery-center/www.anchoragemuseum.org/about-us/
http://www.anmc.org/patients-visitors/craft-shopwww.anmc.org/patients-visitors/craft-shop
https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/about-us/museum-spaces/imaginarium-discovery-center/museum-spaces/aginarium-discovery-center
� Alaska Native Heritage Center
Though the museum does host traveling
Part of the Anchorage Museum downtown,
http://www.alaskanative.netwww.alaskanative.net
exhibitions, its focus is on collecting, preserv-
the Imaginarium Discovery Center is a hands-
� Oscar Anderson House Museum
ing, exhibiting and interpreting art and cultural
on science center for children of all ages.
http://www.anchorage.net/museums-culture-heritage-centers/www.anchorage.net/museums-
materials from Alaska and the circumpolar
Explore the worlds of physics, space and earth
http://www.anchorage.net/museums-culture-heritage-centers/oscar-anderson-house-museumculture-heritage-centers/
North. Priceless Alaska Native collections make
sciences with fun, interactive exhibits.
http://www.anchorage.net/museums-culture-heritage-centers/oscar-anderson-house-museumoscar-anderson-house-museum
up the bulk of its holdings.
Stop by the museum and enjoy its excit-
MUSEUMS &
OUTDOOR
ing features firsthand, check out the classes
CULTURAL CENTERS
RECREATION
and programs for children, teens and adults,
Find information on all of the museums
Know what you're doing before venturing
sign up for an art tour or visit online at www.
in Alaska (locations, hours of operation,
into nature. Check posted information about
http://www.anchoragemuseum.organchoragemuseum.org.
collections, exhibits and links) at the state-
weather conditions or bear sightings. Be sure
wide museum association website: www.
to take along bear spray and bells, insect repel-
http://www.museumsalaska.orgmuseumsalaska.org.
lent, maps, a camera and preferably a compan-
� Alaska Avalanche Information Center
Museums in Anchorage include:
ion. And let someone know where you're going
http://www.alaskasnow.orgwww.alaskasnow.org
� Anchorage Museum
and when you expect to be back.
� Anchorage Parks & Recreation
http://www.anchoragemuseum.orgwww.anchoragemuseum.org
Here are a few sources to bone up on the do's
http://www.muni.org/departments/parkswww.muni.org/departments/parks
� Alaska Aviation Museum
and don'ts of enjoying -- and surviving --
� Alaska Public Lands Information
http://www.alaskaairmuseum.orgwww.alaskaairmuseum.org
Alaska's wild country:
Centers
� Alaska Law Enforcement Museum
� Alaska Department of Fish & Game
http://www.alaskacenters.govwww.alaskacenters.gov
http://www.alaskatroopermuseum.comwww.alaskatroopermuseum.com
http://www.adfg.alaska.govwww.adfg.alaska.gov
� Bureau of Land Management
� Alaska Heritage Museum
� Alaska Division of Parks &
http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en.htmlwww.blm.gov/ak/st/en.html
http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/museum_anchorage.htmlwww.wel sfargohistory.com/museums/
Outdoor Recreation
� National Park Service
http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/museum_anchorage.htmlmuseum_anchorage.html
http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/parkswww.dnr.alaska.gov/parks
http://www.nps.gov/akso/index.cfmwww.nps.gov/akso/index.cfm
� Alaska Museum of Science and Nature
� Alaska Avalanche School
� NOAA Weather Service, Alaska Region
http://www.alaskamuseum.orgwww.alaskamuseum.org
http://www.alaskaavalanche.orgwww.alaskaavalanche.org
http://www.arh.noaa.govwww.arh.noaa.gov
60 2� 1Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

ANCHORAGE RELO GUIDE
09-55692
ABC MOTORHOME
PU W/ CHG
Community 4& 3Recreation
DHD 6/6/16
� U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
http://www.fws.govwww.fws.gov
� USDA Forest Service
http://www.fs.usda.gov/r10www.fs.usda.gov/r10
� Bicycling
http://www.arcticbike.orgwww.arcticbike.org
http://www.mountainbikeanchorage.comwww.mountainbikeanchorage.com
http://www.alaskadirtdivas.blogspot.comwww.alaskadirtdivas.blogspot.com
The city boasts hundreds of miles of trails to
bike, many of them paved and lighted, all with
spectacular scenery.
Boating
http://www.kck.orgwww.kck.org
Water abounds for almost every craft, pad-
dle and skill level. Contact the Knik Canoers
and Kayakers for detailed information and
locations.
Bird watching
As of January 2016, Alaska had 510 natu-
rally occurring bird species in 65 families
and 20 orders, according to the six-member
committee that compiles and updates the
list every year for the University of Alaska
Museum in Fairbanks. Twenty-four more
species had been reported but these sightings
were unsubstantiated. For a complete list visit:
http://www.universityofalaskamuseumbirds.org/products/checklist.pdfwww.universityofalaskamuseumbirds.org/
http://www.universityofalaskamuseumbirds.org/products/checklist.pdfproducts/checklist.pdf.
Catch a wave
you're doing before crossing the tracks and
Slam'n Salm'n Derby
Predictable bore tides along Turnagain Arm
scrambling over the rocks to chance cold and
http://www.anchorage.net/articles/ship-creek-slam-n-salm-n-derbywww.anchorage.net/articles/
and Knik Arm offer unusual surfing opportu-
silty Cook Inlet, which has the second-highest
http://www.anchorage.net/articles/ship-creek-slam-n-salm-n-derbyship-creek-slam-n-salm-n-derby
nities. See the Alaska Public Lands Informa-
tides in the world and where hypothermia
Cast a line into Ship Creek for the annual
tion Centers website for tips about bore tides:
and the quicksand-like mudflats pose real and
king salmon derby every June to benefit the
http://www.alaskacenters.gov/bore-tides.cfmwww.alaskacenters.gov/bore-tides.cfm.
deadly dangers.
Downtown Soup Kitchen.
With the right tide and wind conditions,
Geocaching
Turnagain Arm also affords exceptional wind-
Climbing
http://www.geocachealaska.orgwww.geocachealaska.org
surfing for seasoned surfers. A favorite spot is
http://www.mtnclubak.orgwww.mtnclubak.org
Grab a GPS, go online for coordinates and
Windy Point, but make sure you know what
The Mountaineering Club of Alaska spon-
sors year-round outdoor activities, teaches
waypoints and then head out on an adventure
mountaineering skills and promotes safety on
to find hidden geocaches. Don't forget to bring
the state's mountain ranges. If you want to go
something to leave behind.
into backcountry and high-country Alaska,
Golfing
this is a good organization to learn from on
http://www.anchoragegolfcourse.comwww.anchoragegolfcourse.com
how to do it right.
http://www.foxhollowak.comwww.foxhol owak.com
http://www.muni.org/departments/parks/pages/parkdistrictne.aspxwww.muni.org/departments/parks/pages/
Dog Parks
http://www.muni.org/departments/parks/pages/parkdistrictne.aspxparkdistrictne.aspx
http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/dogparks.aspxwww.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/
Golf under the Midnight Sun at Anchorage's
http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Pages/dogparks.aspxDogParks.aspx
local courses.
The city has designated several off-leash
dog areas. See the municipality's Animal
Hiking
GERMAN
Care and Control website for maps, rules and
http://www.alaskahikesearch.comwww.alaskahikesearch.com
ROB
regulations.
Hiking in Alaska often means climbing.
BY
Around Anchorage, with the Front Range of
Fishing
the Chugach Mountains out the back door,
PROVIDED
For detailed sport fishing information, visit
you need to be prepared. Check out Bill David-
the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's web-
son's hiking and backpacking trail guide web-
PHOTOGRAPHY
site at www.adfg.alaska.gov.
site with its many Anchorage and Mat-Su area
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 261

ANCHORAGE RELO GDE
09-55849
10TH & M SEAFOODS
PU W/O CHG
Welcome to Anchorage
JB 6/4/16
Running
http://www.anchoragerunningclub.orgwww.anchoragerunningclub.org
http://www.alaskamountainrunners.orgwww.alaskamountainrunners.org
Dozens of races are held each year for all
skill levels, from walking to qualifying for
the Boston Marathon to major charity events.
For instance, the annual Anchorage Run for
Women raises money to fight breast cancer,
and it's just one of a host of similar initia-
tives. Astonishing costumes, pure eye candy,
often are part of the mix. Training grounds
include the hundreds of miles of trails in and
around town.
Skiing and Snowboarding
http://www.hilltopskiarea.orgwww.hilltopskiarea.org
http://www.alyeskaresort.comwww.alyeskaresort.com
http://www.skiarctic.netwww.skiarctic.net
http://www.anchoragenordicski.comwww.anchoragenordicski.com
For downhill skiing, check out Alyeska
in Girdwood, Hilltop Ski Area in the city,
or Alpenglow and Arctic Valley a few miles
north. Hundreds of miles of groomed and
sometimes lighted cross-country ski trails
wind throughout the area. And Turnagain
Pass on the way to the Kenai Peninsula offers
some of the world's best backcountry skiing.
Walking
Anchorage Light Speed Planet Walk
hikes, plus good advice in his education sec-
http://www.anchorageplanetwalk.orgwww.anchorageplanetwalk.org
tion about how to do it safely.
In 2011 Anchorage's extensive network of
The new Alaska Outdoors Supersite (www.
trails won the city a Prevention magazine
http://www.alaskaoutdoorssupersite.comalaskaoutdoorssupersite.com) covers every-
accolade as one of the top walking cities in the
thing from the state's diverse regions to activi-
U.S. For a themed amble, visit the Light Speed
ties to gear reviews to artisans to coming
Planet Walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal
back alive.
Trail; the scale model demonstrates place
More than a dozen books also detail trails,
and size in the solar system (each step equals
with authorship ranging from such Alaskans
the distance light travels in a single second:
as Helen Nienhueser and Bill Sherwonit to
186,000 miles). If you begin at Sun Station on
international publishers like Lonely Planet
the corner of Fifth and G streets, you'll reach
and FalconGuides. The public library is a good
Earth at Fifth and K streets in 8 minutes, the
place to start (ask a librarian for help), browse
time it takes for a sunbeam to travel from the
the local bookstores or see what sporting
real sun to the real Earth; if you keep going, in
goods stores or outfitters have on their shelves.
five and a half hours you'll reach the verge of
Obtain area maps from the USGS Alaska
our solar system, little Pluto, at Kincaid Park.
Science Center in Glenn Olds Hall, 4210 Uni-
Parks and Trails
versity Drive, on the Alaska Pacific University
http://www.muni.org/departments/parkswww.muni.org/departments/parks
campus. Call 907-786-7000 or go to http://
Almost 11,000 acres of municipal parkland,
http://alaska.usgs.gov/staff/index.phpalaska.usgs.gov/staff/index.php or www.
223 parks and 250 miles of trails and green-
http://www.alaskageographic.orgalaskageographic.org for more information.
belts link neighborhoods with surrounding
PHOTOGRAPHY
natural open spaces and wildlife habitat. And
Orienteering
don't forget the 110 athletic fields, five pools,
PROVIDED
http://www.oalaska.orgwww.oalaska.org
11 recreation centers and 82 playgrounds.
The Arctic Orienteering Club is an active
BY
orienteering community that navigates
PLAY HARD
ROB
cross-country the old way, using only a map
OR GO HOME
GERMAN
and compass. The group sponsors activities
Joining a team is great way to stay active,
year-round.
meet new people and learn more about
62 2� 0Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Community 4& 3Recreation
GO, TEAM GO
You may carry your sports team loyalties
with you, no matter where you go, but you
can root, root, root for these local favorites
too. Check out their official team websites for
schedules, ticket prices and more.
GERMAN
AT&T Sports Pavilion
ROB
BY
The Rage City Rollergirls (www.rage
http://www.ragecityrollergirls.orgcityrollergirls.org) compete against local and
PROVIDED
international roller derby competitors.
Egan Center
PHOTOGRAPHY
Local boxers spar weekly throughout the
winter at Thursday Night at the Fights (www.
Anchorage. Find a team you like and get
years, and that sometimes brings an influx of
http://www.thursdaynightfights.comthursdaynightfights.com).
moving!
famous faces into the Anchorage bowl -- and
Mulcahy Stadium
The Anchorage Sports Association (www.
a chance to be an extra on a movie set.
Five teams make up the Alaska Baseball
http://www.anchoragesports.comanchoragesports.com) organizes adult slow
and fast pitch softball (including the Fur
Alaska Center for the
League (www.alaskabaseballleague.org)
Rondy Snowshoe Tournament), volleyball,
Performing Arts
from June through August. The Glacier Pilots
dodgeball and basketball, as well as high
http://www.myalaskacenter.comwww.myalaskacenter.com
http://www.glacierpilots.com(www.glacierpilots.com) and Anchorage Bucs
school and Junior Olympic fast pitch softball.
Four venues of varying size with a spec-
http://www.anchoragebucs.com(www.anchoragebucs.com) are the home
The Anchorage Hockey Association teaches
trum of live entertainment. The website has a
teams in one of the best wooden-bat collegiate
character, teamwork, skills and fun in the
Coming Events calendar with information on
summer leagues in North America.
largest and most comprehensive youth hockey
theaters around Anchorage, including special
Sullivan Arena
program in Anchorage. AHA is online at
events (click on "by Date"). Ten resident com-
panies call the center home.
The Alaska Aces (www.alaskaaces.com)
http://www.anchoragehockey.com/www.anchoragehockey.pucksystems.com.
compete on the ice of this 6,251-seat venue.
Anyone 18 years old or older can skate in the
Anchorage
The Aces play professional hockey in the ECHL,
Anchorage Adult Hockey League. Contact the
Community Theatre
League at 907-274-5715 or www.aahl.net.
an AA league, and frequently sell out the arena.
Cook Inlet Soccer Club has the most
http://www.actalaska.orgwww.actalaska.org
Call 907-258-2237.
comprehensive soccer program in Alaska,
Learn the art and craft of theater via edu-
Alaska Fighting Championship holds
offering recreational, intermediate and
cational classes and participation in local
mixed martial arts events monthly each
competitive-level soccer for ages 4 to 18.
plays. Anchorage Community Theatre gives
winter. Call 907-351-8184 or go to www.
Soccer has become more and more popu-
local talent a chance to shine in its seasonal
http://www.Alaskafighting.comAlaskafighting.com for more information.
lar with all age groups locally. Visit www.
productions.
The University of Alaska Anchorage Sea-
http://www.ciscsoccer.orgciscsoccer.org or www.socceralaska.com or
Anchorage Opera
wolves play host to nationally ranked college
http://www.anchorageyouthsoccer.orgwww.anchorageyouthsoccer.org for more
http://www.anchorageopera.orgwww.anchorageopera.org
basketball teams in the GCI Great Alaska Shoot-
information.
The Opera's season includes performances
out every Thanksgiving. Call 907-786-1250 or
Brooms, big curling stones, special shoes, no
from around the globe. Both individual and
go to www.goseawolves.com (click on "GCI
referees and lots of "gentlemen's courtesies" --
season tickets are available.
Great Alaska Shootout") for more information.
all on ice at the Anchorage Curling Club (www.
The UAA Seawolves also use the Sullivan for
http://www.anchoragecurling.comanchoragecurling.com). Questions? Check
Bear Tooth Theatrepub
hockey and compete as well in basketball, vol-
out the "Dare to Curl 101" video on YouTube
http://www.beartooththeatre.netwww.beartooththeatre.net
leyball, track and field, skiing and gymnastics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxCH8CGqx88(www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxCH8CGqx88).
Enjoy second-run movies for just $4 as well
It's a far cry from hockey.
Call 907-786-1293 for the ticket office.
as independent and art house films. The Bear
Alaska Swimming takes pride in its motto,
Tooth hosts a "First Tap" party each month
http://www.akswimming.org"Too Fast to Freeze." Go to www.akswimming.
with hand-crafted beers, as well as live con-
http://www.akswimming.orgorg for links to local swim clubs.
certs and an award-winning menu.
GARCIA
THEATER
Cyrano's Theatre Company
JOSHUA
Besides the amount and quality of local cre-
& Off-Center Playhouse
SGT.
ative talent, Anchorage audiences are large
http://www.cyranos.orgwww.cyranos.org
STAFF
BY
enough and sophisticated enough to attract big
This independent and highly creative resi-
names in entertainment. Artists from around
dent theater company features a new play
PHOTO
the country come here to perform, from rock
every month. Founded in 1995, it shows
FORCE
concerts to classical ballet. The film industry
unusual flair, and works hard to nurture
AIR
U.S.
has become more interested in Alaska over the
regional talent.
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 263

Welcome to Anchorage
To protect wildlife privacy during summer
months, boardwalks and roadsides restrict
visitor activities to observing juvenile fish or
adult chinook, coho and pink salmon as they
PHOTOGRAPHY
return to Rabbit Creek to spawn. Above all,
avoid feeding the wildlife.
In the fall, waterfowl hunters access the
PROVIDED
flats through Johns and Oceanview municipal
parks. To ensure wildlife viewing opportuni-
BY
ROB
ties and public safety, portions of the refuge,
GERMAN
including Potter Marsh, are closed to hunting.
Safety precautions on the tide flats are also
essential. Incoming tides are high and move
faster than a person can run. Unwary adven-
University of Alaska
Other water birds include mallards, north-
Anchorage Theatre
turers have gotten fatally stuck in the bottom-
ern pintails, northern shovelers, American
and Dance
less mud of Turnagain Arm.
wigeons, canvasbacks, red-necked grebes,
http://theatre.uaa.alaska.eduhttp://theatre.uaa.alaska.edu
Winter freeze-up often brings a wind-slicked
horned grebes, yellowlegs and northern phal-
University students and UAA professors
ice surface for skaters and model airplane
aropes. Arctic terns and mew gulls also fre-
produce four plays on the main stage and sev-
enthusiasts.
quent the marsh, as do Northern harriers and
eral student-directed second-stage programs
--
bald eagles and, during migration, trumpeter
Source: Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Division
of Wildlife Conservation at www.adfg.alaska.gov
each year.
or tundra swans, snow geese, short-eared owls
and the occasional pair of Pacific loons.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
CHURCHES
Mammals
Chugach State Park, third-largest state park
Moose feed on the marsh's aquatic or
Many churches in the Anchorage area
in the U.S., a half-million acres, borders the
shrubby vegetation. Muskrats build "push-
welcome you to services and activities. A
city on the east with a rugged backyard of
ups," piles of vegetation for feeding and rest-
congregation in your faith can give you an
opportunities to hike, mountain bike, camp,
ing. An old beaver lodge marks the presence
immediate faith family, or exploring to find a
climb, raft, ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and
of the buck-toothed critters. Other residents
church home that fits your beliefs can be a
view wildlife. Four trailheads give access
include coyotes, least weasels, mink, snow-
spiritual adventure.
to an extensive trail system, campgrounds,
shoe hares, red squirrels, voles and shrews,
You'll have plenty of choice -- Anchorage is
picnic areas and public use cabins. For more
with infrequent visits from lynx, river otters,
a diverse place that supports many cultures.
http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugachinformation, go to www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/
red fox, and black and brown bears.
The 2010 U.S. Census shows that Anchorage's
http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugachunits/chugach.
neighborhoods include white, black, Hispanic/
Fish
Anchorage Coastal
Latino, Alaska Native/American Indian, mixed
Campbell Creek, Rabbit Creek, Little Rab-
Wildlife Refuge
race, Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Island-
bit Creek and Little Survival Creek flow into
The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge
ers residents.
Potter Marsh and support populations of pink,
stretches 16 miles from Point Woronzof south-
Look online for places, services, phone
coho and chinook salmon and Dolly Varden
east to Potter Creek and includes Potter Marsh
numbers and church websites. Yellowpages.
char. An ideal mix of fresh and salt water com-
com shows more than 400 results for places
between the old and new Seward highways.
bined with a nutrient-rich environment make
of worship near Anchorage.
Construction of the Alaska Railroad embank-
Potter Marsh an important juvenile fish-rear-
ment in 1917 created the marsh.
ing area. Salmon fry, sticklebacks and sculpins
Anchorage Baptist Temple
The tidal flats, marsh communities and
and even an occasional Arctic grayling pro-
http://www.ancbt.orgwww.ancbt.org
alder-bog forest support a great number of dif-
vide food for summer birds.
6401 E Northern Lights Blvd.
ferent birds -- at least 130 species. View peak
Campbell Creek also supports rainbow
Anchorage, AK 99504 .............907-333-6535
concentrations during spring migration from
trout, coho salmon and toothy northern
Anchorage Lutheran Church
late April through mid-May when waterfowl
pike, which were illegally introduced in sum-
http://www.anchoragelutheran.orgwww.anchoragelutheran.org
pause on their way to breeding grounds to the
mer 2000.
1420 N St.
north and again in late July and August when
Anchorage, AK 99501 .............907-272-5323
shorebirds begin to prepare for their migration
Public use and access
First Baptist Church of Anchorage
to southern wintering grounds.
Thousands of people view wildlife at Pot-
ter Marsh each year. It is easily the city's most
http://www.firstbaptistanchorage.orgwww.firstbaptistanchorage.org
Waterfowl
popular wildlife haven. Parking areas, an ele-
1100 W 10th Ave.
The most conspicuous and well-known of
vated boardwalk and interpretive signs along
Anchorage, AK 99501 .............907-279-8481
the nesting water birds is the lesser Canada
the Seward Highway give wildlife enthusiasts
Maranatha Baptist Church
goose, one of five subspecies of Canada goose
excellent vantage points for viewing and pho-
http://www.maranathabaptist-anchorage.orgwww.maranathabaptist-anchorage.org
found in Alaska. As many as 15 to 20 nesting
tography. However, when near the highway,
7747 E 6th Ave.
pairs provide summer entertainment with
viewers must always take extreme care to
Anchorage, AK 99504 .............907-338-2321
their rowdy "gosling nurseries."
avoid traffic traveling at high speeds.
64 3� 2Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017

Surrounding
Area
NPS PHOTO
NORTHBOUND
Palmer
Plenty of recreational adventures are just an hour or two north of
http://www.cityofpalmer.orgwww.cityofpalmer.org
Anchorage in the towns of Wasilla, Palmer, Big Lake, Houston, Willow
http://www.palmerchamber.orgwww.palmerchamber.org
and Talkeetna. Lakes and rivers along the way offer a wealth of fish, and
http://www.matsugov.uswww.matsugov.us
be sure to keep your eye out for wildlife. There's plenty of fun to be had in
This pioneer community northeast of Anchorage is the Matanuska-
these Matanuska-Susitna Borough communities known as "the Valley."
Susitna Borough seat. Its quaint downtown is always worth explor-
Go to www.alaskavisit.com to find out more.
ing, and Palmer hosts the Alaska State Fair from late August through
early September, the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, the
Wasilla
renowned Alaska Plant Materials Center, which trials plants for the far
http://www.wasillachamber.orgwww.wasillachamber.org
north, and the reindeer and the musk ox farms. Or catch a speedway race
http://www.cityofwasilla.comwww.cityofwasil a.com
during summertime.
Just northwest of Anchorage is Wasilla, home of the world-renowned
Hatcher Pass
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters and of the world's longest
http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/indmine.htmwww.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/indmine.htm
snowmachine race, the Iron Dog. The community is an entrepreneurial
Motorists can feed onto Hatcher Pass Road from either Palmer or
and agricultural hotbed.
Wasilla, but either way will take them to vistas of spring wildflowers
Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017 1� 265

ANCHORAGE GDE
09-55848
ALPINE ROSE INN
Welcome to Anchorage
DHD 7/1/16
This western gateway to Prince William
Sound 60 minutes south of Anchorage has
North America's longest shared tunnel for
rail and vehicle traffic. You can pick up gla-
cier tours and other outdoor adventures there
every summer, and just north of the tunnel's
3105 N. Talbot Circle � Wasilla, AK 99654
entrance at the end of Turnagain Arm in
Alpine Rose Inn is a bed and
Chugach National Forest is the Begich Boggs
(907) 631-3048
breakfast in the heart of the
Visitor Center at Portage Glacier, well worth
Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
the 5-mile swing off the Seward Highway.
We can rent rooms individually,
Kenai Peninsula
or the entire inn as a vacation rental.
We also host dinners, retreats,
http://www.kenaipeninsula.orgwww.kenaipeninsula.org
and weddings.
This weekend destination overflows with
volcanoes, glaciers, wildlife, rivers, lakes, fish-
ing, rafting, wilderness adventures -- a great
or cross-country skiing at Hatcher Pass/Inde-
another recreational paradise. Enjoy fishing,
place to learn about clamming and combat
pendence Mine State Historical Park. The park
hiking and canoeing, or rent a public use cabin
fishing.
has two historic gold mining sites that were
for the weekend.
active from 1909 to 1924 and again from 1937
Kenai
to 1941. Trails, campsites, scenic views and an
Denali National Park
http://www.ci.kenai.ak.uswww.ci.kenai.ak.us
abundance of wild blueberries make this spot
http://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htmwww.nps.gov/dena/index.htm
http://www.kenaichamber.orgwww.kenaichamber.org
popular in the summer.
Four or five hours north of Anchorage on the
The city of Kenai, population 7,661 in 2015,
Parks Highway, this 6-million-acre national
borders the salmon-rich Kenai River where
Big Lake
park embraces Denali, the crown jewel of
it empties into Cook Inlet. The town's deep
http://www.biglakechamber.orgwww.biglakechamber.org
North American mountains, wildlife viewing
Dena'ina and Russian roots blend colorfully
Just off the Parks Highway, about an hour
and incredible wilderness scenery.
with a U.S. presence that began as Fort Kenay
out of Anchorage, this lake is a great place
in 1869. The annual salmon bonanza is still a
to boat, water ski, Jet Ski, hike, take photos
Talkeetna
financial driver, but oil and gas strikes in Cook
and bask in the summer sun. Winter presents
http://www.talkeetnachamber.orgwww.talkeetnachamber.org
Inlet and tourists drawn by fishing, recreation,
world-class opportunities to dog sled, snow-
Just two hours north of Anchorage, this
Kenai Old Town, vistas that include two live
machine, cross-country ski, ice fish, snowshoe
rustic log-cabin community boasts great
volcanoes and, increasingly, the arts and edu-
and ice skate.
views of Denali, craft shops and art galler-
ies and notable annual events such as the
cation, are factors as well.
Nancy Lake
Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival, the Talkeetna
Homer
http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/nancylk/nancylk.htmwww.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/nancylk/
Bachelor Society Auction with its Wilder-
http://www.homeralaska.orgwww.homeralaska.org
http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/nancylk/nancylk.htmnancylk.htm
ness Woman Contest, Talkeetna Winterfest
http://www.akms.comwww.akms.com
http://www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabinswww.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins
and summer's Moose on Parade, Moose
http://www.prattmuseum.orgwww.prattmuseum.org
The Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, a bit
Dropping Festival and Mountain Mama
The fishing village and arts hotspot --
beyond Big Lake on the Parks Highway, is yet
competition. It's also the staging point for
known as the Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea --
mountaineers from around the world to
rests at the end of the road, or spit, where land
scale Denali and, at the confluence of two
ends and sea begins. Each May the community
rivers, home to memorable fishing, rafting
hosts the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival; in
adventures and flightseeing.
June, the Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference
brings together Alaska and Outside writers.
SOUTHBOUND
Other theatrical and fishing events happen
Like most anywhere in Alaska, mountains
throughout the year. The Pratt Museum is a
and rivers abound to the south, but the ocean
must-see.
adds a new element in Prince William Sound,
Resurrection Bay, Cook Inlet and Kachemak
Seward
Bay. And don't forget glaciers spilling into
http://www.sewardak.orgwww.sewardak.org
the sea, ice caves, tidal pools, marine mam-
A seaside town about three hours south
PHOTOGRAPHY
mals, seabirds, saltwater fishing, kayaking,
of Anchorage at the head of Resurrection
cruises and unlimited daylight for summer
Bay, Seward provides access to Kenai Fjords
PROVIDED
adventures.
National Park and is the home of the Alaska
SeaLife Center and the grueling Mount Mara-
BY
Whittier
thon Race every Independence Day. Intriguing
ROB
http://www.whittieralaskachamber.orgwww.whittieralaskachamber.org
shops and eateries line downtown streets, and
GERMAN
http://www.whittieralaska.govwww.whittieralaska.gov
visitors can enjoy beachcombing, fishing and
http://www.fs.usda.govwww.fs.usda.gov
wildlife viewing. 8
66 5� 4Welcome to Anchorage 2016-2017